TRAVERSE CITY — As leaders from Michigan’s 31 community and tribal colleges gathered on Mackinac Island for the 2026 MCCA Summer Conference, the Michigan Community College Association (MCCA) recognized five exceptional individuals whose leadership and service reflect the values at the heart of Michigan’s community colleges. This year’s honorees include:<\/p>\n
“Sixty years in, our story is still being written by people like this year’s honorees,” said Brandy Johnson, MCCA President, noting the association’s 60th anniversary this year. “Their work on campuses, in classrooms, and on the national stage is exactly what keeps our mission moving forward.”<\/p>\n
Stephen Siciliano – Outstanding Staff Award<\/strong> (download a high-resolution photo<\/a>) Siciliano has served as NMC’s chief academic officer since 1996. He also sits on the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement and Potential Advisory Council on Transfer, helping advance statewide transfer and student success initiatives. Before becoming vice president, he served as Humanities Division Director and full-time history faculty member, leading the college’s history, music, art, and philosophy programs.<\/p>\n Beyond his work in higher education, Siciliano is President of the Traverse Area Historical Society, a member of Traverse City’s Historic District Commission, and a unit commissioner with Scouting America. He holds an associate degree from Nassau Community College, a bachelor’s degree in history and mathematics from Adelphi University, a master’s degree in history from the University of Connecticut, and a doctorate in history from the College of William and Mary.<\/p>\n “Dr. Siciliano’s decades of leadership have shaped generations of NMC students and strengthened academic programming across our network,” said Johnson.<\/p>\n The Outstanding Staff Award is given in recognition and appreciation of professional achievement, service to humanity, and commitment to the community college mission.<\/p>\n Sherry Wyman – Distinguished Service Award<\/strong> Wyman was elected to the West Shore Community College Board of Trustees in 2016 and was first appointed board chair in 2021, later reappointed in 2025 — becoming the first woman to serve as chair in the college’s history. She also serves on the board’s Executive Committee and previously served on its Administrative Committee.<\/p>\n Beyond her work at West Shore, Wyman is active across her community, holding leadership roles with the Mason County Central School Board, the Ludington and Scottville Chamber of Commerce, the Mason County Central Educational Foundation, the Scottville Main Street Board of Directors and Design Committee, and the Scottville Harvest Festival Committee. She earned an associate degree in business administration from Mid Michigan College and completed additional coursework at Central Michigan University. She and her husband, Randy, own Wyman Funeral & Cremation Services in Scottville, and she is employed by West Shore Bank as a Commercial Loan Documentation Supervisor.<\/p>\n “Sherry brings the same care to our boardroom that she brings to her own community, and it shows in everything she does,” said Johnson. “We’re grateful for her steady hand this past year”.<\/p>\n The Distinguished Service Award is presented each year in recognition and appreciation of outstanding service and leadership as Chair of the Board of Directors of the MCCA.<\/p>\n Debra Daniels – Outstanding Alumnus Award Daniels began her higher education journey at Delta College, where she earned an Associate of Allied Health degree. She went on to spend 20 years as a faculty member at Delta College and Illinois Central College and held academic and student affairs roles at New Mexico State University at Alamogordo, Kellogg Community College, and Polk State College. She later served as president of three community colleges: San Bernardino Valley College, Joliet Junior College, and Taft College.<\/p>\n Daniels earned a bachelor’s degree in allied health teacher education from Ferris State University and completed both a master’s and doctoral degree in education at the University of Illinois. Since retiring in 2022, she has remained active through volunteer service while enjoying travel, gardening, and time with her husband and grandchildren.<\/p>\n “Dr. Daniels’ four-decade career shows what’s possible when a community college education becomes a launching pad,” said Johnson. “Her journey from Delta College student to community college president is a powerful example for our students today.”<\/p>\n The Outstanding Alumnus Award honors exceptional achievement and commitment to the community college mission.<\/p>\n Jennifer Wixson – Outstanding Faculty Award<\/strong> A recognized leader in her field, Wixson serves as President of the Michigan Association for the Education of Young Children Governing Board and received the 2024 ATHENA Leadership Award for her professional achievement and community advocacy. Before joining NCMC full time, she taught kindergarten and first grade for 15 years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in child development and teaching from Michigan State University and a master’s degree in child development and family studies from Purdue University.<\/p>\n “Jennifer’s work connecting classrooms, employers, and families is exactly the kind of innovation that strengthens our communities,” said Johnson. “Her students, and her community, are better for it.” Jee Hang Lee – Special Recognition Award<\/strong> Lee has led ACCT since 2021, providing leadership for more than 500 governing boards overseeing community colleges across the United States and internationally. Before being named president and CEO, he spent more than 15 years at ACCT in a series of leadership roles, including Senior Vice President and Vice President for Public Policy, where he directed the association’s advocacy work on federal appropriations, student financial aid, tax policy, and higher education policy.<\/p>\n Lee serves on the boards and advisory councils of several national higher education organizations, including the American Council on Education and the University of Maryland Global Campus Community College Leadership Program. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Boston University and a master’s degree in political management from George Washington University.<\/p>\n “Jee Hang Lee’s leadership on the national stage has strengthened community colleges everywhere, including right here in Michigan,” said Johnson. “We are honored to recognize his commitment to our mission as we celebrate 60 years of MCCA.”<\/p>\n The Special Recognition Award is presented in recognition and appreciation of exemplary contributions and commitment to supporting the mission of Michigan’s community colleges.<\/p>\n About The Michigan Community College Association<\/strong> Cari Noga <\/p>\n TRAVERSE CITY — As leaders from Michigan’s 31 community and tribal colleges gathered on Mackinac Island for the 2026 MCCA Summer Conference, the Michigan Community College Association (MCCA) recognized five exceptional individuals whose leadership and service reflect the values at the heart of Michigan’s community colleges. This year’s honorees include: Stephen Siciliano, Vice President for […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[68],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-168532","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-intercom"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
Dr. Stephen N. Siciliano, Vice President for Educational Services at Northwestern Michigan College (NMC), received the 2026 Outstanding Staff Award in recognition of nearly three decades of academic leadership.<\/p>\n
Sherry Wyman, Chair of the Board of Trustees at West Shore Community College, was honored with the 2026 Distinguished Service Award for her leadership as Chair of the MCCA Board of Directors.<\/p>\n
<\/strong>Dr. Debra Daniels, an alumna of Delta College, was honored with the 2026 Outstanding Alumnus Award, recognizing more than 45 years of service to community college education.<\/p>\n
Jennifer Wixson, Early Childhood Education Program Coordinator at North Central Michigan College, received the 2026 Outstanding Faculty Award for her leadership in early childhood education and workforce development.
Wixson has been a full-time faculty member at NCMC since 2019, following more than two decades as an adjunct instructor. She leads the college’s Child Care Initiative and Family Friendly Campus Initiative, two grant-funded programs that expand access to high-quality childcare, support student parents, and strengthen the early childhood workforce across northern Michigan.<\/p>\n
The Outstanding Faculty Award honors professional achievement and dedication to the community college mission.<\/p>\n
Jee Hang Lee, President and CEO of the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT), was recognized for his leadership on behalf of community college trustees nationwide and his longstanding support of Michigan’s community college mission.<\/p>\n
The Michigan Community College Association is the unified voice and leading advocate for Michigan’s community colleges, empowering members to lead in the areas of student success, talent development, and community vitality. MCCA also strengthens public awareness and recognition of the role of community colleges, supports members in delivering education and training that is responsive to changing labor market needs, champions the strategies necessary to achieve equitable student success, and fosters collaboration, connection, and partnerships among community colleges and stakeholders. Learn more at mcca.org<\/a>.<\/p>\nRelease date: August 7, 2026<\/h3>\n
For more information:<\/h2>\n
NMC Communications Director
cnoga@nmc.edu<\/a>
(231) 392-1800 (Call or text)<\/p>\nNon-Discrimination Policy Notice<\/h3>\nNorthwestern Michigan College is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, height, weight, marital status or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions. nmc.edu\/non-discrimination<\/a><\/address>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"