MESA, Ariz. -- Sept. 26, 2024 -- Nadine “NAR” Arroyo Rodriguez, director of Journalism and New Media Studies in Mesa Community College’s English Department was honored at the Pete C. Garcia Victoria Foundation Arizona Higher Education Awards ceremony with the Dr. Alfredo G. de los Santos, Jr. Outstanding Latina/Latino Faculty Service/Teaching in Higher Education Award on Sept. 25, 2024, at the Helios Education Foundation, 4747 N. 32nd St. Phoenix.
This award, presented to individuals for their commitment to student achievement and outstanding teaching and leadership, is named after Dr. Alfredo G. de los Santos, Jr., who served for more than 21 years as Vice Chancellor for Student and Educational Development at the Maricopa County Community College District and as a research professor for the Hispanic Research Center at Arizona State University.
Arroyo Rodriguez brings to her role as journalism faculty at Mesa Community College nearly 20 years’ experience as a producer and reporter in media such as Arizona PBS and public radio entities within the KJZZ 91.5FM group. At MCC for nine years, she has served in roles such as director of the Journalism & New Media Studies program; advisor to the Mesa Legend student newspaper; and advisor to the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society - Omicron Beta chapter. She is also chair of the Maricopa Community Colleges Journalism Instructional Council and is on the Board of Directors of the Journalism And Women Symposium.
“We must educate the next generation of reporters and media communicators in the basics of journalism, research, fact seeking, ethics and the ever-evolving tools of the profession,” said Arroyo Rodriguez. “It is an honor to share my experience and knowledge of the industry with students excited to join this crucial profession.”
In announcing the awards, the foundation shared, “The Pete C. Garcia Victoria Foundation is proud to celebrate our Arizona Higher Education Awards. Every September, we gather to recognize and honor ‘difference makers’ in our institutions of higher education. Our Founding President, Pete C. Garcia, clearly understood that when you have individuals who know how to push agendas and support educational programs that benefit our community, our students flourish. Each of this year’s award recipients exemplify, through their arduous work and accomplishments, why we continue with our annual Arizona Higher Education Awards Breakfast.”
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Media contact: Julie Ruiz, julie.ruiz@mesacc.edu or 480-461-7283
Mesa Community College is nationally recognized for university transfer, career and technical programs, civic engagement, service-learning and innovative approaches to education. On average MCC students provide 23,000 hours of community service annually. For more than 50 years, the college has served as a resource for education, workforce development and lifelong learning. Host to more than 25,400 students annually, MCC offers degree and certificate programs at its two campuses and additional locations through a combination of modalities. MCC is transforming how it champions student success through Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services and a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. MCC is a Hispanic Serving Institution with nearly 50% of its students being the first in their families to attend college. MCC has the largest indigenous student population of all the Maricopa Community Colleges; its American Indian Institute serves students from the 22 federally recognized Arizona tribes as well as out-of-state tribes. The diverse student body includes hundreds of international students from around the world. Award-winning faculty are dedicated to student success, providing the education and training that empowers MCC students to attain their goals. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, on the traditional territories of the O'odham, Piipaash and Yavapai Peoples, MCC is one of 10 colleges in the Maricopa County Community College District. Visit mesacc.edu to learn more.
MCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), hlcommission.org.
The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District. MCCCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.