Cochise Newsroom

The National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) has honored two Cochise College staff members for their outstanding commitment to student success. Melissa Faglie, curriculum development manager, and Abe Villarreal, Douglas Campus dean, were selected as recipients of the prestigious NISOD Excellence Award. 

 

The award recognizes and celebrates individuals demonstrating outstanding commitment and leadership in higher education. Both staff members will be honored at the annual NISOD conference in May, where they will receive a commemorative pewter medallion and be included in a national booklet. The college also celebrated their achievements during the April board meeting and an all-employee general session.  

 

Faglie, a Cochise College alumna originally from Sierra Vista, has been a dedicated staff member at the college since 2007 across various roles, including financial aid, counseling, degree audit systems, and curriculum development. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Education in Counseling from Sul Ross State University.

 

Passionate about education, Faglie is committed to making a difference in the lives of students and the broader community. Currently, she collaborates with faculty and staff to enhance student success and support college goals. 

 

"It's an honor to represent Cochise College as one of this year's NISOD recipients," she said. "I am grateful to my peers for nominating me for this award and for recognizing my hard work and dedication. This recognition highlights the positive impact I hope to continue to have on our college and students for many years to come."

 

Villarreal, a son of the borderlands, was raised in Douglas, Arizona. He attended Cochise College and began his career in higher education at Western New Mexico University. Throughout his career, he has focused on student support, community engagement, and expanding opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds. He now serves as the Campus Dean at the college's Douglas Campus. In addition to receiving the award, Villarreal was selected to present a Campfire Session at the conference titled "Language, culture, & identity: How to support students of the U.S./Mexico border." 

 

"I consider it a blessing to be a contributor to the higher education field," Villarreal said. "Working at a community college in the rural borderlands is a special place because of the amazing students we serve. Each of them motivates me to get to the office every morning."

 

The NISOD award recipients and presenters are faculty and staff who exemplify a deep commitment to student success. Cochise College is proud to recognize their dedication and impact on students and the college community as a whole.