Two QCC employees were honored with national awards from the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC). Vice President of Strategic Enrollment and Student Engagement Michelle Tufau Afriyie won the Rising Star - Executive award and Professor of Psychology and Psychology Program Coordinator Maura Stickles was named a 2025 Dale P. Parnell Distinguished Faculty member.
This recognition is part of AACC’s annual Awards of Excellence. The Rising Star – Executive award is given to an administrator who has demonstrated extraordinary leadership and improved student experiences.
"Michelle has received the Rising Star award for her unwavering dedication to student success at QCC and we couldn't think of a more deserving person to win this award. She truly understands our student population and uses her strategic vision to innovate our processes and programs to meet their needs. Additionally, she has improved workflow and communication between the departments under her purview," said QCC President Dr. Luis Pedraja.
The Distinguished Faculty designation was named in honor of former AACC President and CEO Dale P. Parnell and was established to recognize individuals making a difference in the classroom and at their institutions.
"Professor Stickles exemplifies excellence in community college education through her outstanding contributions as both an educator and institutional leader at the College," commented Pedraja, adding, "In the classroom, Maura creates transformative learning experiences that help students better understand themselves and the world around them.
Congratulations to these well-deserving QCC employees!