Three ECC Employees Honored with NISOD Excellence Awards
Three East Central College employees have been recognized for their commitment and contributions to students, colleagues, and the College community. Joannie Blakely, Dr. Nancy Mitchell, and Kim Aguilar are the 2025 recipients of the NISOD Excellence Award, a national honor presented by the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development to celebrate outstanding work at community and technical colleges across the country.
Blakely, Mitchell, and Aguilar were recognized in the following roles:
- Joannie Blakely — Nursing Instructor and ECC Rolla Program Coordinator
- Dr. Nancy Mitchell — Dean of Health Science and Director of Nursing
- Kim Aguilar — Human Resources Generalist
Joannie Blakely
As a nursing instructor and program coordinator in Rolla, Blakely has earned a reputation for her organizational strength, relationship-building, and steady leadership. She plays a central role in securing and managing clinical placements for students—often going above and beyond to ensure quality learning experiences that align with high standards of patient care.
Colleagues note her calm and proactive approach when navigating challenges and her dedication to supporting both students and fellow faculty. She’s described as someone who makes new staff feel welcome and confident in their roles. “Joannie is an invaluable asset to the nursing program,” one nominator wrote. “She volunteers her time to help others succeed and exemplifies what it means to be a leader and a team player.”
Dr. Nancy Mitchell
Mitchell, who serves as Dean of Health Science and Director of Nursing, is recognized as a visionary leader, mentor, and dedicated advocate for excellence in health care education. Known for her insight and guidance, Dr. Mitchell plays a key role in program development and navigating complex accreditation processes.
Her colleagues emphasized her ability to lead through challenges while supporting her team with clarity and care. “Nancy’s influence extends far beyond her current role,” a nomination read. “She has mentored countless professionals over the years, always setting a high bar while helping others rise to meet it.”
Kim Aguilar
In her role as Human Resources Generalist, Aguilar is known for her professionalism, warmth, and tireless dedication. As part of ECC’s two-person HR team, Aguilar manages a wide range of HR functions with precision, while also offering consistent and personal support to employees.
Her colleagues describe her as a dependable presence with a deep understanding of ECC’s policies and culture. “Kim brings genuine kindness and professionalism to every interaction,” one nominator shared. “She’s the kind of person who makes others feel seen and supported—whether it’s during onboarding, a benefits question, or a difficult situation.”
In addition to her daily responsibilities, Aguilar is active on college committees and has served on the Classified Staff Association Executive Council. Her willingness to contribute wherever needed reflects a strong commitment to the college community.
For more information about the NISOD Excellence Awards, visit www.nisod.org.