MANSFIELD – The American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) National Conference was held in Louisville from April 4 through 8.
During the awards ceremony on the final evening, NC State received the Exemplary CEO/Board Relationship Award which recognizes the community college whose CEO and Board of Trustees collaborate and work together both efficiently and effectively, providing excellence in community college governance.
The national recipient is chosen from among regional award winners.
When asked about the award, President Dorey Diab was quick to share credit.
“This award is not earned overnight. It is not a snapshot of a single effort or outcome,” Diab said. “This award is earned through the combined efforts of many, many people over the years who serve NC State and our community with a single purpose – to meet the educational needs of our students and employers.
“These awards are examples of the high level of performance we strive to maintain, so that our graduates are assured that the degrees they complete provide high-quality, relevant skills that lead to amazing careers.
“I was pleased to accept this award alongside current NC State Board Members Dr. Dwight McElfresh and Elisabeth Morando on behalf of our entire team at NC State.”
Additional recognition at this event included an award for President Diab, who received regional recognition as a finalist for the AACC CEO of the Year Award.
NC State remains involved and committed to AACC:
Dr. Diab accepted an appointment to the Board of Directors beginning July 2024.
Keith Stoner serves on the AACC Commission on Public Relations Advocacy & Advancement, one of nine national commissions which meet twice each year.
NC State has also received numerous regional awards from the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) in the past, including:
2013 Faculty Excellence – Professor Emeritus, Kenneth Ekegren.
2014 Trustee Excellence – Trustee Emeritus, Matthew Smith.
2017 Chief Executive Officer – President, Dorey Diab.
2020 Professional Board Staff Excellence — Executive Assistant to the President and Secretary to the Board, Stephen Williams).
2022 Chief Executive Officer – President, Dorey Diab.
Diab’s 30 plus years in higher education have modeled an active and engaged leadership style.
“We’re involved at the state and national level with other community colleges because we know that higher education is changing so rapidly, and so dramatically that we need to stay abreast of the changes as they occur,” Diab said.
“We don’t just want to react to trends as they are recognized, we want to help lead the exploration of those trends and provide input on solutions to meet the changing needs of our students.
“Our efforts to participate at this level help us locally as we strive to meet the mission of N.C. State here in north central Ohio.”