Alexandria Terrazas, Moraine Valley Community College coordinator of Student Success Programs, earned the 40 Under 40 Award from the American Association for Women in Community Colleges.
Moraine Valley Community College’s Alexandria Terrazas was awarded the 40 Under 40 Award from the American Association for Women in Community Colleges.
This prestigious award is given to faculty, counselors and staff around the country who have demonstrated creativity, innovation, leadership, and attained various achievements. Terrazas, who is the coordinator of Student Success Programs, received the honor in New Orleans.
“It was a great experience to meet women across the country who exemplify innovation, leadership and student-driven commitment,” she said.
Terrazas arrived at Moraine Valley in fall 2009 and began as a part-time English language specialist before working up to her current role. Her job involves managing the dual credit program, which serves 26 partner high schools, along with specialized on-campus courses for dual credit/dual enrollment and implementation of EdReady, the online tool used to assess high school math students and convey how to prepare for college. She also plans and organizes the family orientations every spring and summer.
Her laser focus has helped double dual credit enrollment, which led to the college acquiring the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships Research Grant in 2015. She also co-chaired the first Women’s Leadership Conference and helped develop the first Latino Empowerment Conference, both held at Moraine Valley. She earned the college’s 2017 Nancy Blane Guerra Award because of her organization, focus and clear communicative work ethic.
Terrazas was surprised to learn she won the award because in her eyes, she’s simply doing her job.
“I’m modest about this award because it’s just doing my job. Doing the best I can is how I perceive my job,” she said. “But it’s exciting to be recognized for my performance and work. It’s a huge compliment.”
