Howard Spearman, president of Rock Valley College, speaks on Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023, during a news conference about workforce training for AAR Corp.’s jet-repair hub at the Chicago-Rockford International Airport. (Photo by Kevin Haas/Rock River Current)
From news release
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — Rock Valley College President Howard Spearman will be honored by the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society next month with the Paragon Award for New Presidents.

The award recognizes college presidents who have led successful initiatives that create pathways to completing a degree, transferring or gaining employment. Those recognized must have taken an active interest in supporting high-achieving students and developing student leaders on campus.

“The college presidents selected have students-first leadership styles and made it a priority to support student success both inside and outside the classroom,” Phi Theta Kappa President and CEO Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner said in a news release. “This award is special because it comes directly from the students, and it is evidence of the gratitude they feel for the support for them and students like them.”

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Spearman is one of 28 recipients to receive the honor from about 400 college presidents, chancellors and CEOs eligible to receive the award.

To be eligible for this award, college leaders must have served less than three years. Recipients are nominated by students on their campus and are only eligible to receive the award once.

“Student success is at the heart of what we do at the community college, and it drives my work as college president,” Spearman said in a news release. “I am humbled and honored to receive this student-nominated recognition.”

Spearman will be presented the award during PTK Catalyst 2023, the Phi Theta Kappa Society’s annual convention in Columbus, Ohio, which takes place April 20-22.

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