Spotlight Series: 2026 NISOD Recipients

Excellence in Teaching 

Nicolas Castanon, Fine, Performing & Communication Arts

"My time at Palo Alto College has been deeply rewarding, both professionally and personally. I have had the opportunity to collaborate with committed colleagues, mentor students across multiple areas of theatre, and contribute to a dynamic program through teaching, production, and leadership roles. Guiding PAC students as they develop their artistic style and professional skills has been particularly fulfilling, while my own growth has come through expanded responsibilities in curriculum development, program management, and outside creative work. Being recognized with a NISOD award is especially meaningful, as it affirms the impact of this work and the commitment to student success and excellence in teaching that defines my experience at the college."

Oliver Jones, Political Science

"I want to thank the Political Science Department at Clark Atlanta University, my parents Osburn Jones and Barbara Jones, Mrs. Traina, my wife Carmen De Luna Jones, my daughter Cristela Jones and the students for the NISOD Award. In 1994, I was a student at Clark Atlanta University where the chair of the Political Science Department announced that the Alamo Colleges had a Minority Teaching Fellowship. After seeking advice from my parents, I applied for the fellowship and was accepted. Alamo Colleges assigned me to teach at Palo Alto College. When I arrived, I met Mrs. Traina and the other Social Science Faculty. A year later, she encouraged me to take night classes at St. Mary's University as a part of the tenure application process. The support from my wife helped me to successfully complete the classes. Palo Alto College awarded me tenure and later on promoted me to an Assistant Professor. While teaching at Palo Alto College, I've enjoyed participating in community activities such as being a career day speaker at local schools, working with Mrs. Traina to create civil rights panels and registering students to vote. One of my proudest moments was seeing our daughter Cristela graduate from one of the early college high schools at Palo Alto College. She continued her education at Texas State University and earned a Master's Degree at the age of 21 from the University of Texas. In addition, my students have also played a pivotal part in my career. Recently one of my students thanked me for making a positive difference in her life as a part of the Palo Alto College's Teacher and Staff Appreciation Night. Once again, thank you for your support and nominating me for this incredible honor, the NISOD Award."

Andrea Fuenteas, Fine, Performing & Communication Arts

"My time at Palo Alto College and within the Alamo Colleges District has been both meaningful and transformative. Since joining PAC in Spring 2020, I have embraced a students-first approach, recognizing the impact that a supportive and empowering learning environment can have on student success. Over my 16 years in education, I have grown both personally and professionally by creating spaces where students feel seen, heard, and encouraged, especially in the area of communication. Through initiatives such as COIL partnerships, study abroad opportunities, the PAC Student Media Team, and The Verde Press, I strive to help students find their voice and connect their work to a broader world. The most rewarding part of my role is witnessing students accomplish goals they once believed were out of reach. Receiving the NISOD Excellence Award is truly an honor and a reflection of the meaningful work we do at PAC and the incredible students I have the privilege to serve."

Excellence in Teaching by an Adjunct Instructor

David Boyers, Business Faculty

"I am deeply honored to accept the 2026 NISOD Excellence Award, presented by the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD). Being recognized for Adjunct Excellence is both humbling and profoundly meaningful, and I am grateful for this acknowledgment of my work and dedication.
My time at PAC/ACD has been filled with growth and inspiration. Working with dedicated colleagues and supporting our students has enriched my life. Sharing my corporate experience has helped prepare students for the business world and strengthened my belief in the power of education.
I am grateful to Dr. Joseph Coppola, Dr. Joshua Garcia, Christopher Sosa, and the many faculty and staff who have supported and encouraged me. Their leadership and collaboration have been invaluable.
This award reflects the incredible community around me. I am proud to be part of an institution that champions student-centered learning and empowers educators. This recognition inspires me to continue serving with commitment and enthusiasm.
Thank you for this extraordinary honor. I am sincerely grateful."

Nathan McIntosh, Biology Faculty

"The future has always be uncertain but the world changes so much now from one generation to the next, that we must be able to change along with it. New skills and knowledge bases facilitate adaptation in a changing environment. Ultimately, what is the purpose of education?—to make the world a better place."

Excellence for Service to the College

Sergio Rivera, Facilities

"My name is Sergio M Rivera, and I’m fortunate enough to be the Facilities Superintendent for Palo Alto College, SETC, and FRA.  I have been with Palo Alto College for 15 years and with Alamo Colleges for 31 years overall.  My entire career has been in the Facilities department, working my way up from carpenter through the ranks. I have had the pleasure of working with a wide range of skill trade folks who use their talents so that we have clean, well-lit, compliant, comfortable facilities for our community, students, staff, and faculty. I’m honored to be a recipient of an NISOD award.  I feel my outcomes are because of the daily dedication of all my staff members and service trades under me, like grounds and housekeeping. Without them, it would be difficult for the learning process to take place.

Their collaboration and can-do spirit is a daily inspiration to do our best from construction projects on new buildings, upgrades to aging infrastructure, and daily oversight of our building systems. The best I can do as a supervisor is empower them to suggest and question processes so that we continuously improve, with limited man-hours and even tighter budgets, it's not an option anymore, it’s a requirement. Every position is needed and important.

Frank Mora, Facilities

"It's a blessing to be recognized for my service to this college. As I approach retirement, it's a special feeling to know that the work I've done here has made an impact. Thank you to the NISOD Committee and my team for their support."

Gerald "Jerry" Hill, Facilities

"I'm very grateful to have this opportunity to be recognized in this way. I appreciate the team that supports me and hope to continue serving the campus."

Robert Casillas, Information Technology

"My time at PAC started in the fall of 2015 when I was an intern under Paulina Ortiz. During that time, I gained the skills and knowledge needed to fulfill my role as a computer technician. In the spring of 2016, I became a part-time staff member in the IT department at PAC, where I held that position for about 6 years. During that time, I gained the skills and knowledge needed to become a reliable computer support technician. In the spring of 2021, I became a full-time technician, and then the following year I got promoted to an information systems specialist, which is the position I currently hold. A rewarding part of the job is that I have gained excellent professional relationships with my fellow co-workers, along with faculty and staff throughout the college. In building those relationships, they now know they can rely on me to take care of their technology needs and or requests. Overall, PAC has been a good start to my IT career, where I have been able to learn what is needed to be successful in IT and to grow in my career, where I plan to land a job in cybersecurity. To receive the NISOD Excellence Award in the Excellence for Service to the College is a real honor. Being recognized in this category gives me confirmation that I’m doing my job right at PAC for all students, faculty, and staff in providing the best IT support. Thank you to those who nominated me to receive this award, and I will continue to provide the best IT support for PAC."

Mauricio Garcia, Institutional Research

"Serving my community and seeing others succeed and grow inspires me. I stay focused through intentional planning, continuous learning, and using data as an accountability measure. My advice: invest in people, stay adaptable, and measure what matters—growth, impact, and progress. Palo Alto College has been instrumental in this journey. Receiving the NISOD award is both an honor and a reflection of the growth the college fosters."

Brianna Silva, Marketing & Strategic Communications 

"I have been at Palo Alto College for two years as the Visual Content Creator on the Marketing and Strategic Communications team, and it has been a rewarding experience to be part of the #PACfamily. As a proud San Antonio College alumna, I was fortunate to have professors who encouraged me to always do my best. Their mentorship inspired me to pursue a career within the Alamo Colleges District after graduating from Texas State University, so I could also support and uplift students the way they supported me.
I am grateful to be at PAC, where I have had the opportunity to grow professionally while developing strong leadership and communication skills. I am especially proud to mentor young women through LeadHERs and support students in the PAC Media Student group.
Receiving the NISOD Excellence Award is truly an honor. I am grateful to share this recognition with my incredible supervisor, my outstanding team, and the entire #PACfamily, who continually inspire my creativity and make this work so meaningful."

Leroy Ibarra, Marketing & Strategic Communications 

"I am truly honored to receive the NISOD Excellence Award and want to express my gratitude to the amazing MarComm team. This recognition reflects our collective efforts and dedication. I am fortunate to work alongside passionate colleagues who genuinely care about our students' success and make a meaningful impact every day."

Excellence by Staff or Administrator

Patrick Lee, Vice President for Academic Success

"I am deeply honored to receive this NISOD award and grateful to be recognized by the faculty and staff of Palo Alto College alongside so many dedicated and inspiring colleagues. This recognition is especially meaningful because it reflects the support, collaboration, and shared commitment to student success and Care & Corazón that defines our college community."

Keyhla Calderon-Lugo, Marketing & Strategic Communications 

" I started working at Palo Alto College almost 3 ½ years ago as the Director of Marketing and Strategic Communications. The work we do in the Communications office plays a vital role in helping our students succeed. Our office works hard to ensure the messages we share with our students and community about programs and services offered at the campus are clear, timely, and accurate. As storytellers, we make sure we are connecting through our multiple platforms to build a sense of belonging, provide access to available opportunities, and offer support throughout our students' educational journey.
Additionally, the work I do at PAC is very personal because I was once a student at PAC, and I credit this campus for pushing me to continue with my higher education journey. So, this is a full-circle moment, and one that I am extremely proud of! I am truly grateful for receiving the NISOD award and so thankful to be a part of dedicated colleagues who are committed to making a difference in the lives of our students and community."

Priscilla Aguilar, President's Office

"My journey with Palo Alto College has come full circle over the past 14 years, beginning as a first-time college student alongside my mother, to now serving in executive leadership. As a student, I immersed myself in campus life, ultimately serving as Student Government President, and soon after began working on campus as a work-study. From there, I grew professionally through every level of the institution, serving as a part-time employee, advisor, coordinator, senior coordinator, and now director. Each role has deepened my commitment to student success and strengthened my connection to this college. Palo Alto College has been more than a workplace; it has been my second home, where not only I, but my family, have grown. The most rewarding part of my work is serving a community that I come from and helping students see what is possible for their own futures. Through this institution, I have experienced tremendous personal and professional growth, gained opportunities to lead beyond the college, and am now completing my doctoral degree. Receiving the NISOD award is truly an honor, but even more meaningful is the opportunity to continue doing this work every day and giving back to the place that has given me so much."

Michael Ximenez, Advising

"I've been with Alamo Colleges for 20 years and 15 of those 20 have been with PAC. 
I enjoy supporting students achieve their education goals. I've always told students, 'No one path is the right path; it's just a matter of completing the path.' My biggest accolade at Alamo Colleges has been working with my colleagues; they have some of the biggest hearts, most compassionate souls, and unwavering love for our students. I'm very honored to work side by side with such great individuals. Being selected as a NIOSD recipient is a great honor amongst my fellow colleagues. There are so many deserving of this award, and I'm very humbled to have been selected."

Rosita Elizondo, College Services

"I joined Alamo Colleges in 2008 as a work-study student in Accounts Payable. I’ve been fortunate to gradually grow my career since then, from supporting District (50%) and Palo Alto College (50%) as an Accounting Clerk to serving PAC full-time as a College Facilitator, and today as College Budget Officer. The work I’ve found most rewarding has been the rare opportunity to support student organizations with their fund balance inquiries and partner with the nursing program to issue last-dollar scholarships to its first cohort. I also value learning from partnerships with faculty and leaders across the District, contributing to efforts that improve performance, such as a workload-projection methodology that helped PAC secure needed faculty positions in FY2026 and FY2027. PAC is like a second family! My daughter has been attending college since she was 18 months old, and I’ve learned from several great leaders whose mentorship has strengthened my commitment to service since I was 19. Receiving the NISOD Excellence Award is especially meaningful because it reflects both my behind-the-scenes stewardship of resources and the colleagues who inspire my work to advance student success at PAC."

Adriana Ballast, Marketing & Strategic Communications 

"My story is like that of many who work or attend Palo Alto College. Opportunity did not find me easily; I had to work for it. The most important lesson I have learned is that hard work creates opportunity, and this understanding is what gives my work so much meaning: knowing that we are creating opportunity for students on the south side of San Antonio. Above all, I am grateful. During my time at this distinctive college, I have grown, continue to learn, and have met extraordinary people who are committed to both their work and community. I am so proud to represent Palo Alto College as a 2026 NISOD Excellence Award recipient. Thank you to my colleagues for this honor."

Lydia Hannawi, Cosmetology

"As an immigrant, I began my higher education journey at Palo Alto College in 1998, guided by a mission to empower others through education. I have worked with ESL, international, GED, and students with disabilities, witnessing the life-changing impact of education and advocating for access and equity—work that is deeply personal to me. Now, as Director of Cosmetology Programs, I lead a team dedicated to helping students build meaningful careers in the beauty industry, where my own journey began. I am honored to receive this NISOD award and remain committed to making a difference—one student at a time."

Excellence by Student Success Staff

Nancy Gonzales, Educate South

"I started at Palo Alto College in 2013 as a part-time peer advisor, and I honestly never looked back. Over the years, PAC has given me so many opportunities to grow, both personally and professionally, and it has really shaped my passion for working with students and serving the community. The most rewarding part of what I do is being able to support students, mothers, and fathers, help them see their potential, and be a small part of their journey. I have accomplished a lot along the way, but it definitely has not come without challenges, and those experiences have made me stronger and more committed to this work. If my 16-year-old self could see where I am today, I do not think she would believe it. She would quite literally say, “You’re joking, right? Even after they said you couldn’t, you did it.” Receiving the NISOD award is truly an honor and honestly a surprise, because I have always been someone who prefers to work behind the scenes and let my work speak for itself. I am incredibly grateful to be part of a college and district that has supported me every step of the way."

Evelyn Gonzalez, Welcome Center

"As a proud Palo Alto College alumna and now a leader in the Welcome Center, my time at Palo Alto College has been incredibly meaningful. I have the privilege of supporting students at the very beginning of their journey, helping them navigate enrollment while ensuring they feel confident, supported, and ready to succeed. The most rewarding part of my role is knowing that every interaction makes a difference and leading a team that shows up with care, consistency, and purpose. This experience has strengthened my leadership, deepened my commitment to student success, and pushed me to continuously grow. Receiving the NISOD award is truly an honor. It represents not only my journey, but the collective effort of a team and institution that have poured so much into me. Being recognized by a college that shaped me as both a student and now a leader means everything."
 

Leticia Innocencio, Student Advocacy

"This recognition reflects not only my efforts, but the shared commitment of colleagues and partners who believe in showing up for students with compassion and intention.  I am grateful to be part of that work and remain dedicated to creating spaces where every student feels seen, supported, and capable of achieving their goals.  As a first-generation, non-traditional parenting student, this work is deeply personal- I see my own journey in the students we serve.  Being able to remove barriers I once faced is more than my job; it's come full circle in the most meaningful way.   I am truly honored to receive this recognition from NISOD and to continue advocating for students every day."

Sarah Rodriguez, Advising

"I have been with the Alamo Colleges District for 29 years, beginning my journey in 1993 as a part-time staff member at San Antonio College. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to grow within the organization, including my time with the Southside Community Education Center, and since 2012, serving as a Senior Advisor in the Admissions & Records office at Palo Alto College. One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is building meaningful relationships with students and colleagues while contributing to a supportive, team-oriented environment. With strong leadership and collaboration, I am able to help guide students toward success, which makes my work truly fulfilling. Throughout my career, I have experienced both personal and professional growth by embracing continuous learning, strengthening my adaptability, and developing a deeper sense of empathy in working with students. The NISOD Award is especially meaningful, as it recognizes the collective efforts of dedicated staff. I share this honor with my colleagues, whose support and commitment make it possible to provide the high level of service our students deserve."

Excellence by Academic Support Services Staff

Erron Gonzalez, Tutoring Services

"Over the past nine years at Palo Alto College, I have had the privilege of growing alongside an institution deeply committed to student success and community impact. Beginning as an adjunct professor in Kinesiology, then serving as Academic Program Coordinator for the Title III: HSI STEM SEEDS grant, and now as Academic Program Director for STEM and Tutoring Services, my journey has been incredibly rewarding. During this time, I have helped lead grants totaling more than $11 million, overseen STEM summer programs that have inspired many campers to later enroll as PAC students, and guided the recent merger of the STEM Center and Tutoring Services. The most fulfilling part of my role is witnessing the professional growth of my staff, engaging with our community through outreach and summer programming, and seeing the excitement students bring to our events, workshops, and centers. PAC has profoundly shaped my growth as a leader by giving me opportunities to empower others and expand our impact beyond campus. I am deeply grateful for the award, as it reaffirms the purpose and passion behind the work I am honored to do each day."

Anthony Stokes, Teaching & Learning Center

"Receiving the NISOD Excellence Award is truly an honor and a meaningful reflection of my time at Palo Alto College. Working in the Teaching and Learning Center has been incredibly rewarding, especially in helping faculty and staff explore innovative instructional technology tools that enhance teaching and student learning. Throughout my time here, I’ve experienced both personal and professional growth by collaborating with passionate colleagues, adapting to evolving technologies, and continuously finding new ways to support student success. This recognition is not just a personal milestone, but a testament to the collaborative and student-centered culture at PAC that inspires me every day."

Daniele Delgado, Tutoring Services

"My time at Palo Alto College has been both meaningful and transformative. God has truly blessed me with a great opportunity to use my gifts and talents to help our students grow. One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is actively supporting students in reaching their goals, whether through designing engaging STEM learning opportunities and experiences, organizing STEM summer camps, or participating in community events across the city. Working with diverse groups has helped me grow both personally and professionally, strengthening my commitment to student success and community engagement. I appreciate the "PAC familia," and value collaborating with colleagues to support student and institutional goals. Being recognized with a NISOD award is a great honor. It encourages me to continue investing in others and reflects not only my individual efforts but also the collaborative and student-centered environment that makes PAC so special."