John Nash, associate professor of Speech/Communications.
John Nash, associate professor of Speech/Communications and director of Forensics at Moraine Valley Community College, has been named the 2018 recipient of the Michael and Suzanne Osborn Community College Outstanding Educator Award.
The National Communication Association (NCA) will present the award to Nash at the 104th annual NCA conference on Nov. 10, in Salt Lake City, Utah.
In selecting Nash, the committee said, “As the forensics coach at Moraine Valley, Nash’s tireless work has led the team to countless local, state and national awards, including four national first-place trophies. By creating a family environment, Nash helps students find their voice, fulfill their individual potentials, recognize their own personal worth and move on to become leaders.”
He has been a coach since 2003; head coach and director starting in 2008. The annual awards honor communication scholars’ teaching, scholarship and service. “Professor Nash’s contributions to the communication discipline are noteworthy, and NCA is proud to recognize him with this award,” said Trevor Parry-Giles, NCA executive director.
Nash said he is humbled to be selected for this award.
“I tell my speech team members, if you are in the activity for the awards, you are in it for the wrong reason,” he said. “Awards are something you receive when others see value in you choosing to do the things for the right reason. I am humbled and honored others see value in my choices.”
A strong support system is behind Nash’s triumphs.
“I attribute much of my success to my spouse, Jeff Rieck, my colleagues at Moraine Valley, as well as my second grade teacher, Roxanne Henkin, who is a professor at the University of Texas at San Antonio. My spouse and colleagues surround me with ideas and support, and motivate me to be a better educator. Ms. Henkin taught me the need to foster creativity, to embrace diversity and to always provide a safe place for students to learn,” Nash said.
