SEVEN BLINN COLLEGE FACULTY & STAFF RECOGNIZED WITH 2025 NISOD EXCELLENCE AWARDS

  

Seven Blinn College District faculty and staff members will receive 2025 National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) Excellence Awards for their dedication to Blinn students.

Heather Ashorn, Parking Administrator; Linda Gray, Director of Library Services; Dr. Lee Jennings, Chemistry Instructor; Alan Lehmann, History and Government Professor; Chris Marrs, Blinn College Executive Dean at Texas A&M-RELLIS; Todd Quinlan, Department Head for Performing Arts-Music and Theatre; and Jonathan Treadwell, Help Desk Support Specialist will receive commemorative pewter medallions from NISOD to mark their achievements. Each winner will be recognized during NISOD’s annual International Conference on Teaching and Leadership Excellence held May 24-27 in Austin.

“These awards highlight the impact that compassionate, knowledgeable, and student-focused professionals have across the Blinn College District,” said Dr. Mary Hensley, Chancellor of the Blinn College District. “I congratulate each of our recipients and thank them for their exemplary service.”

NISOD is a membership organization that promotes and celebrates excellence in teaching, learning, and leadership at community and technical colleges. First presented in 1989, NISOD’s Excellence Awards recognize educators who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment and contribution to their students and colleagues.

Faculty, staff, students, and departmental supervisors made nominations based on character and integrity, effectiveness as instructors, involvement in student organizations and activities, service to Blinn, and participation in professional organizations and professional development activities. Final recipient selections were made by Blinn’s Professional Development Funding Committee.

Ashorn joined Blinn in 2008, serving in various roles in the Brenham Housing Office before transitioning to her current position as Parking Administrator for the Blinn College Police Department. In this capacity, she oversees all parking enforcement operations for both the Brenham and Bryan campuses.

“It is an honor to be recognized for this award,” Ashorn said. “I have worked alongside so many wonderful individuals during my time at Blinn that coming to work is a joy. There’s always something happening on campus and anytime I get the chance to help someone navigate our parking rules and regulations, it’s a win.”

Gray has been with Blinn since 2019. She has spent half of her career as an academic librarian and the other half as a children’s librarian. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in library science from Southern Connecticut State University.

“I have been a librarian for 33 years and it continues to be a job that I love,” Gray said. “Leading a fantastic team of dedicated individuals at Blinn has been incredibly rewarding, and I take great pride in our shared mission to empower students and guide them to become lifelong learners.”

Jennings has been a full-time chemistry instructor at Blinn since 2015. Prior to this position, he served as a high school physics and chemistry teacher and worked in research for Texas A&M University and Pfizer. He earned a bachelor’s degree and doctorate in chemistry from Rice University.

“I am honored to receive an award for doing a job I love,” Jennings said. “I enjoy meeting and connecting with students that challenge me to figure out new ways to help them succeed in my classes.”

A Blinn alumnus, Lehmann has been teaching history and government at the College for 30 years. A first-generation college student, Lehmann credits his parents with instilling in him a love of learning that turned into a career in education. He earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Texas A&M University and a master’s degree in history from Sam Houston State University.

“It is such an honor to be recognized with this prestigious award,” Lehmann said. “I’ve taught thousands of bright young people on their way to tremendous careers and it is so gratifying to know that I made a small contribution to their success.”

Marrs joined Blinn in 2018 to serve as Blinn’s Executive Dean at Texas A&M-RELLIS, where he oversees campus facilities and operations, serving over 4,000 students, faculty, and staff. A 23-year U.S. Navy veteran, Marrs retired as a Commander. He previously served as Executive Officer of the Texas A&M Naval ROTC Unit and Associate Professor of Naval Science at Texas A&M University.

He earned a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from Texas A&M University and a Master of Science in Aviation Safety from the University of Central Missouri.

“I am honored that Blinn has entrusted me to lead our campus at Texas A&M-RELLIS and I firmly believe that we set the example for our students to emulate as they carve their pathways in life,” Marrs said. “I strive to be that positive role model whose actions demonstrate integrity, authenticity, and above all, service to others.”

Quinlan began at Blinn as a part-time music instructor in 2010. As Department Head for the Performing Arts, Quinlan oversees administrative duties for the department while teaching music courses. In addition to his role at Blinn, he serves as principal timpanist of the Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra.

He earned a bachelor's degree in music in percussion performance from Boston University and a master’s in music in percussion performance from Rutgers University.

“Back in graduate school, I would have never imagined that teaching would become a major part of my musical career,” Quinlan said. “But after 15 years at Blinn, I cannot imagine a different life. The students here are passionate, hardworking young people who are eager to learn and become professionals in their chosen fields. I am proud to be a part of their journey.”

Treadwell joined Blinn in 2018 where he works with a skilled team to provide technology support to the students, faculty, and staff of the College. Prior to Blinn, he worked as a claims settlement specialist for Zelis Healthcare.

He earned a bachelor's degree from Sam Houston State University.

“This award is a great honor and shows that consistent hard work is valued,” Treadwell said. “The students at Blinn College are the lifeblood of the organization, but the staff is the beating heart that keeps life moving through all our campuses. The demand for technology from both never stops growing and I am proud to be a crucial player in meeting that demand.”

Registration is available now for Blinn’s May minimester, summer, and fall 2025 courses. For more information, visit www.blinn.edu.

(Story courtesy Blinn Information)