WARWICK, R.I. – The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) proudly announces that three distinguished faculty members have been recognized with the 2026 National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) Excellence Awards. 

The 2026 recipients are: 

• Daniel J. O’Neill, Associate Professor and Department Chair, Art, Art History and Design 

• Jill Guindon-Nasir, Assistant Professor, Business and Professional Studies 

• Janice I. Schmitz, Professor, Chair and Program Director, Dental Health 

One of the highest honors educators can receive from their peers and leadership, the NISOD Excellence Awards celebrate faculty, staff, and administrators at member colleges who make outstanding contributions to higher education. By recognizing these dedicated professionals, the awards promote a culture of excellence that benefits students, faculty, and the institution as a whole. 

“These three faculty members truly embody the spirit of CCRI’s mission — a community of doers, thinkers, and achievers committed to transforming lives,” said CCRI President Rosemary A. Costigan, Ph.D., RN. “Their dedication to teaching, their deep care for our students’ success, and their commitment to innovation in their fields strengthen our college every day. Daniel, Jill, and Janice represent the very best of who we are at CCRI, and I am grateful for the profound impact they have on our learners, our workforce, and our community.” 

Each of the honorees has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to their fields and to CCRI's mission of providing affordable, high-quality educational opportunities. 

Associate Professor O’Neill has been instrumental in advancing a U.S. National Science Foundation EPSCoR grant, which allowed for the building of a collaborative program that culminated in an art exhibition last year. His work uniquely bridges the disciplines of art and science, focusing on the critical overlap between observational drawing and the scientific study of anatomy. 

Assistant Professor Guindon-Nasir has been a driving force in revitalizing the college's Hospitality Management program. She is known for enthusiastically sharing her extensive real-world business experiences, providing students with the practical insights necessary for success in the industry. 

Professor Schmitz continues to lead the way in workforce development as Chair and Program Director of Dental Health. Her leadership ensures a steady pipeline of highly trained, workforce-ready students prepared for essential careers as dental assistants and hygienists. 

The honorees will be celebrated at NISOD’s 48th annual conference, Advancing Community College Student Engagement (ACCSE), held May 23 - 26 in Austin, Texas. The international conference brings together educators from across the country to share best practices and advance the mission of community college education.