QCC Professor Wins National Dale P. Parnell Faculty Award

WORCESTER, MA — A professor at a local community college has won a national faculty award.

Professor Jean McLean, a business teacher at Quinsigamond Community College, was named a recipient of the 2026 Dale P. Parnell Distinguished Faculty Award. The award, granted by the American Association of Community Colleges, is a national honor recognizing individuals who demonstrate a passion for teaching, a commitment to students, and more.

“As a first-generation college student raised by a single mother who was deaf, I learned early that education is the surest path to independence," McLean said in a news release. "I have devoted my career to creating opportunities for students, especially those who needed someone to believe in them."

McLean has served QCC for over 30 years. She teaches real-world skills, critical thinking, and confidence building, according to the school.

QCC said McLean has also played a large role in expanding academic and career pathways there. She helped create new programs, such as the Insurance and Logistics certificates, expand transfer opportunities, and secure Perkins funding to support business tutors.

She also serves as chair of the Academic Policy and Standards Council, and previously served as vice president of the Faculty Senate for eight years. McLean also founded QCC's chapter of the Alpha Beta Gamma Business Honor Society.

“Jean McLean exemplifies everything the Dale P. Parnell Distinguished Faculty Award represents,” QCC President Dr. Luis Pedraja said. “Her unwavering commitment to students, her leadership across the college and her belief in the transformative power of education have left an indelible mark on our institution and the hundreds of students she has served.”

Last year, another QCC professor received a Dale P. Parnell award. Maura Stickles, a psychology professor and a psychology program coordinator at the school, was recognized for making a difference.

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