Dr. Lisa Kelsay, assistant dean of Liberal Arts, was named a Diamond Honoree.
For nearly 20 years, Moraine Valley assistant dean of Liberal Arts, Dr. Lisa Kelsay, has worked in and contributed to higher education. For her efforts, she was named an American College Personnel Association (ACPA) 2017 Diamond Honoree.
The Diamond Honoree Program recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to higher education and student affairs. The program not only recognizes influential people, but is a fundraiser for ACPA initiatives. All honorees solicit donations in their name which go toward the ACPA Foundation goals (professional development and research grants).
Her nominator, Dr. Amy Franklin-Craft, Edinboro University director of Residence Life, Housing and Judicial Affairs, highlighted Dr. Kelsay’s many contributions to higher education including co-authoring publications about community colleges and chairing the Commission for Two-Year Colleges.
“Dr. Kelsay is an amazing administrator and quite deserving of this award. She is a vital part of Moraine Valley’s campus in various capacities. Her work with the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference, The Democracy Commitment and Fine and Performing Arts Center are just a few of the ways she helps encourage collaboration with students and faculty. The sincerity of Dr. Kelsay, her passion for students to succeed and obvious commitment to Moraine Valley is truly inspirational,” said Dr. Pam Haney, Moraine Valley vice president for Academic Affairs.
When Dr. Kelsay learned of this honor, her email, phone and Facebook page exploded with congratulatory messages. To receive this award was a surprise and a humbling experience.
“I am incredibly honored and thankful for the peers who selected me. I am in awe of what those past honorees have accomplished. There have been professors, higher education leaders, world-renowned authors and speakers, and so many others all with the goal of helping students succeed. It is so humbling to be included with all those amazing individuals. I never dreamed I would actually receive a call informing me I was a recipient of this award,” she said. “Through the years I have enjoyed working with younger members of our profession, being a sounding board, guiding them in their career path, and helping them in their path to success in higher education. This award just gives me another way to accomplish that.”
Dr. Kelsay is one of two community college employees selected. The last time a Moraine Valley employee earned this award was in 2006.
