Six State College of Florida Employees Win National Teaching and Service Awards

Six State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) faculty and staff members have been named National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) 2026 Excellence Award winners. SCF colleagues nominated the winners based on their outstanding commitment, talent, teaching and service.

The winners are:

Angel Kelly, office supervisor, library services;

Toni McLeroy, associate professor, dental hygiene;

Leah Nusman, coordinator, TRIO Student Support Services;

Stacey O’Donovan, director, institutional research and reporting;

Amanda Schlachter, associate professor, theatre; and

Jie Sun, Ph.D., assistant professor, chemistry.

They are invited to attend NISOD’s annual conference and awards celebration in Austin, Texas in May.

The NISOD Excellence Awards program began in 1978 to recognize exemplary faculty, staff and administrators from community and technical colleges in the United States. This year’s SCF winners demonstrate pride for the college, camaraderie with coworkers and dedication to supporting student success.

“Working at State College of Florida is truly a privilege,” McLeroy said. “I feel incredibly fortunate to serve our students alongside colleagues who care so deeply about their success.”

Kelly is a two-time SCF alumna with almost 28 years of service at the college. “I offer a unique ‘full circle’ perspective on the student experience as part of the SCF family,” she said. “Within the library, my greatest reward is providing students with essential resources and tools needed to reach their academic goals.”