Associate Director of Student Accessibility Services & Assistive Technology Terri Rodriguez has won an award from the Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD), a national organization for individuals committed to equity for persons with disabilities in higher education. Rodriguez is the winner of the 2025 Professional Recognition Award.
According to AHEAD, the Professional Recognition Award recognizes outstanding achievement and contributions to Disability Resources by an AHEAD member. This award distinguishes those AHEAD members who go the extra mile to affect change that results in increased access, improved services or evolving views of disability on their campuses.
"I am first of all humbled, and very honored to know that the work I've done here at QCC and for AHEAD has made a difference," said Rodriguez, who is President of the New England AHEAD Board, "But as part of the board, we do it together. We've worked really hard."
Recent work with New England AHEAD has included updating decades-old bylaws, partnering with the National Deaf Center for a training, and providing scholarships to members for professional development. New England AHEAD is comprised of 83 colleges and universities. Rodriguez noted that in an organization primarily comprised of four-year universities, it's important that the community college perspective is not only present, but valued.
"Terri is a strong collaborator, ensuring that all voices and ideas are heard and discussed," said Director of Student Accessibility Services & Assistive Technology Kristie Proctor. "She looks to find the best outcomes for all parties involved and truly exemplifies the core values of the college - students first and 100% student success.”
Rodriguez is one of only five winners for the AHEAD award series and will travel to Denver this month to receive the award and attend the annual conference.