WORCESTER, MA – April 24, 2025 – QCC Professor of Psychology Maura Stickles has been named a 2025 Dale P. Parnell Distinguished Faculty member by the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC). Named in honor of former AACC president and CEO Dale P. Parnell, this designation has been established to recognize faculty members making a difference at their institutions.
“Maura exemplifies excellence in community college education through her outstanding contributions as both an educator and institutional leader at the college,” said QCC President Dr. Luis Pedraja. “As psychology program coordinator, she has demonstrated exceptional dedication to student success while fostering meaningful institutional change.”
Stickles has been at QCC for over 30 years and has been in her role as coordinator of the psychology program for over 15 years. She created the Psychology Center for Excellence, where faculty can use research and lab-based teachings with their students. She has also advocated for student organizations such as the Psi Beta National Honor Society and the Psychology Club. Additionally, she has provided numerous opportunities for faculty development, including providing mentorship for adjunct faculty and onboarding new instructors.
Along with her work in the psychology program, Stickles spearheaded the development of a new shared governance system at the college, conducting extensive research and facilitating campus-wide dialogue to create an inclusive decision-making process.