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Testimonials
What Past Conference Participants Are Saying…
This was my first NISOD conference, and I have never been made to feel so special as when they placed that medallion around our necks that first night. You run an incredible conference which was organized to perfection in every way. Please keep up the good work. Gratitude for work community collegefaculty put in is very seldom received, but your conference left no doubt in my mind that you truly wanted to thank us for what we do. Wow!! It was great.
Jim Garretson, Chemistry Instructor, Mid-Plains Community College (NE)We were like chipmunks, scurrying from one session to the next, gathering golden nuggets for the winter.
Mark Montgomery, Instructor, Carpentry, Waukesha County Technical College (WI)This was my first conference and WOW what an experience. I met so many wonderful people who have accomplished extraordinary educational and professional goals, yet they continue to reach back and make contributions to those who aspire to complete their educational goals. Dreams come true when you combine determination, hard work, and a strong support system.
D. Jones, Advisor, Continuing Education, Austin Community College (TX)NISOD is the only conference I have attended that provides professional development for every division and discipline on a college campus.
Karla Smith, Department Chair, Social Studies, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community CollegeNISOD is, by far, the best team-building conference for faculty and staff, especially when the president attends with the team.
Mary Retterer, President, Cerro Coso Community College (CA)This was my first trip to the conference and as a recipient of the NISOD Award. I was truly honored to be able to attend and represent my college. It was a very rewarding experience for me. I look at my medal every day and remember all the people I met from other colleges. Being able to interact with them was very rewarding! I really enjoyed all of the events and sessions! The staff was fabulous!
Jane Napier, Faculty, Information Systems, Midlands Technical College (SC)NISOD is a great professional development conference for professional staff too! The sessions are not all centered on teaching. I learned information from sessions that I can use in my job. Thank you NISOD!
Evelyn Wood, Director of Public Relations, Hazard Community and Technical College (KY)NISOD has something for everyone, not just teaching faculty. As a Performing Arts Director, I have found a wealth of information and training that has assisted me greatly in my position. I highly recommend this conference, and it is the one conference I wouldn't miss.
Brenda Talley, Performing Arts Director, College of Southern NevadaI have attended many staff development conferences in my lifetime as an educator, but NISOD 2008 has to be the best so far. The range of topics covered, the quality of the speakers, and the highly efficient organisation made it such a valuable and terrific experience.
Morag Kerr, Lead Specialist, College Engagement, Scottish Further Education Unit (Scotland)NISOD offers an outstanding forum for interacting with community college educators from across the nation. The opening sessions each day with Arnette Ward, Ronald Williams, Vincent Tinto, and especially Larry Gatlin were inspirational and informative. Austin is a fabulous venue, offering an opportunity to enjoy its rich, diverse cultural and historical background.
Anthony J. Beninati, Professor, Business and History, Valencia Community College (FL)As a national conference, NISOD epitomizes excellence in professional development and networking for community college faculty and personnel.
Joe Schaffer, Interim Dean/CEO, Montana State University–Great Falls College of TechnologyOne of the best conferences I have attended. Workshops and breakout sessions were diverse yet relevant to current issues faced by community colleges.
Joyce Myles Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs New Hampshire Technical InstituteThis was my first NISOD Conference. I was impressed by the organization and the level of experience I had. The closing ceremony had me in tears because it made me realize how important my award was—not only to me but also to my college. The love and honor that I felt will remain with me for a long time. Thank you for this memorable moment.
Carol Brenner, Associate Professor and Program Coordinator, Pellissippi State Technical Community College (TN)I walked away from NISOD with a full "bag of "tools" to use back on my campus. Regardless of level or position, everyone can benefit from the NISOD conference.
Ann Anderson, Assistant Dean, Academic Initiatives, Moraine Valley Community College (IL)I highly recommend NISOD for anyone having anything to do with community colleges. It is a real celebration of community college teaching.
Charles E. Carroll Vice President, Instruction & Student Services Lake City Community College (FL)The NISOD International Conference is one of the best opportunities to connect with and celebrate "best practices" in higher education.
Sarah L. D. Garrett, Vice President, Academic Affairs/CAO, Bristol Community College (MA)At the NISOD conference you are surrounded by people who strive to be the best they can be, who are not afraid to try new things, who are indeed life-long learners. You truly create an environment where excellence is nurtured and cultivated.
Fatemah (Laila) Bicksler, Professor, Mathematics, Delgado Community College (LA)The NISOD experience is a validation of teaching and leadership excellence. To be selected and honored as by NISOD is the biggest thank you I could ever receive for what I do each day.
Kathleen J. Gazzola, Professor, Community College of Rhode IslandNISOD is the most inspiring and well-organized conference I have ever attended. Sessions are interesting, current and worthwhile, and the atmosphere is amazing. There is a warmth to the NISOD experience that is not duplicated elsewhere.
Anita Kess, Instructor, English Department, Camosun College (Canada)The NISOD Conference is just the prescription for veteran faculty looking to enter latter teaching days looking for a dynamic "shot in the arm" and being encouraged, challenged and motivated to do their best.
William E. Lanning, Instructor, Criminal Justice Technology, Guilford Technical Community College (NC)NISOD's conference is the best conference on teaching I attend, bar none. I've been an educator for 20 years, and I've attended many conferences, but this one gives me the best info to take back and use, and gets me energized for the next year. I'd come every year if I could!
Kirk Brewer, Assistant Professor, Speech and English, Tulsa Community College (OK)NISOD not only opens my eyes to new ideas and trends, it stimulates my desire to achieve more when I return to campus.
Charles F. Phair, Assistant Dean, Northern Essex Community College (MA)My first NISOD Conference was a wonderful experience of learning and sharing, provided by knowledgeable, caring, and professional people who so willingly gave of themselves and their materials to help educators improve the learning process for students in community colleges across the country. Thanks to everyone associated with NISOD who made it possible!
Patricia Andrews, Assistant Professor, Community College of Beaver County (PA)NISOD is an extremely worthwhile conference. If you can only attend one educational conference, this is the one.
Ian MacLeod, Academic Chair, Nova Scotia Community College (Canada)NISOD is truly a unique experience. It focuses upon teamwork and is not discipline specific. You can always find something to learn, and the opportunity to connect and grow with coworkers from other service areas is invaluable.
Margaret Hawkins, Information Literacy Librarian, Manatee Community College (FL)NISOD continues to be the premiere conference for showcasing the best practices in teaching and learning. It is the perfect venue for faculty and educational leaders committed to "making magic in their learning environment" to network and share common experiences on supporting student success.
Ernest L. Thomas, President, Tarrant County College–South Campus (TX)If you want to meet "fellow travelers" in the community college experience, come to NISOD and drink up the experience.
Bob King, Associate Professor, Political Science, Georgia Perimeter CollegeNISOD is a great way to learn and be refreshed. There is always something new and exciting to learn at every turn. I highly recommend it!
Byron Howell, Instructor, Chemistry/Coordinator, Microscale Chemistry Center, Tyler Junior College (TX)I cannot tell you have many positive comments that I heard during the conference. In my opinion, the conference gets better every year! The Mexican buffet, the dance, the sessions, etc. were all fabulous! You and your staff really outdid yourselves. The conference is always much more than we could ever expect. Thanks again for giving me the opportunity to be a part of such a great conference!
Barbara Carpenter, CIS Instructor, Temple College (TX)My experience at the NISOD conference last May was one of the most rewarding opportunities I have had in teaching. I made friends and enjoyed the great variety of workshops and talks I attended. Austin is truly beautiful and the hotel accommodations were good. I walked everywhere enjoying the scenery, field trips and conference meetings. I hope to return one day either as an award recipient or presenter. Thanks again for a wonderful conference!
Jean Ladendorf, Professor of English and Humanities, Lincoln Land Community College (IL)Your post-conference email has reminded me of the wonderful audio-visual presentation during the closing of the conference—a video to remind me of why I do this job. They (the conference and video) both have reminded me why I'm here. Thank you!
Johnie Sue Hall, Southern Arkansas University Tech, Camden (AK)Faculty learning with others away from the college adds value! Participating at NISOD is important for faculty; it's not just a perk.
Patricia C. Donohue, President, Mercer County Community College (NJ)
National Institute for Staff & Organizational Development (NISOD)
Community College Leadership Program | College of Education |
The University of Texas at Austin
1 University Station, D5600 |
Austin, TX 78712-0378
Ph: (512) 471-7545 | Fax: (512) 471-9426 | Email
