TC Trustees Recognize 2026 NISOD Excellence Award Recipients
Two Texarkana College employees whose work has transformed educational opportunities for students were recognized with the 2026 National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) Excellence Award during Monday’s meeting of the TC Board of Trustees.
Faculty honoree Dr. Angela Melde, Professor of Visual Arts, and staff honoree Stephanie Stokes, Director of Dual Credit, were selected for their outstanding commitment to student success. Each year, Texarkana College selects one faculty member and one staff member to receive the NISOD Excellence Award, a national honor recognizing exceptional commitment to student success at community and technical colleges.
Dr. Angela Melde has served on the Texarkana College faculty for six years and was named the Endowed Chair for Teaching Excellence in 2025. Beyond the classroom, she advises students, sponsors the Fine Arts Club, coordinates the College’s annual student art exhibition, teaches continuing education classes, and partners with TRIO to introduce middle school students to careers in the arts.
“Receiving the NISOD Excellence Award is both a tremendous honor and a humbling experience,” said Dr. Melde. “Teaching has never been just about helping students create artwork– it’s about helping them build confidence, discover their potential, and develop their own creative voice. Every student who walks into my classroom has unique abilities and a story to tell through art, and helping them discover those abilities is the greatest privilege of my career.”
Dr. Mary Ellen Young, Dean of Liberal and Performing Arts, said Dr. Melde’s dedication to her students and her professionalism distinguishes her an ideal recipient of the award.
“Dr. Melde consistently inspires students to think in new ways while fostering a supportive learning environment where they can grow and succeed,” Dr. Young said. “Her passion for teaching and unwavering commitment to student success make her exceptionally deserving of this national recognition.”
Stephanie Stokes was selected as the staff honoree for leading one of the state’s premier dual credit programs. Under her leadership, Texarkana College’s Dual Credit program has earned state and national recognition for expanding access to higher education and helping thousands of high school students begin earning college credentials before graduation.
Today, the program serves 16 school districts across the College’s service area and enrolled more than 2,900 students during the 2025-2026 academic year. Last year, 84 students earned an associate degree from Texarkana College before graduating from high school through the program.
A Texarkana College alumna, Stokes has served the College for nearly 16 years. She oversees all aspects of the Dual Credit program, working with school districts, community partners, and College leaders to expand educational opportunities for students throughout the region.
“This award is especially meaningful to me because it comes from people I admire every day,” said Stokes. “Our efforts provide students a chance to break the cycle of poverty and build a better future for themselves and their families. That’s why we strive every day to remove barriers and create opportunities that change lives.”
Dr. Dixon Boyles, Vice President of Instruction, said Stokes’ leadership has transformed educational opportunities for students throughout the region.
“Every school district in our service area tells me how fortunate TC is to have Stephanie Stokes leading our Dual Credit program, and I couldn’t agree more,” Dr. Boyles said. “She is very deserving of this NISOD recognition.”
Texarkana College President Dr. Jason Smith said the two honorees exemplify the College’s mission of transforming lives through education.
“Dr. Melde and Mrs. Stokes represent the very best of Texarkana College,” Dr. Smith said. “Whether inspiring creativity in the classroom or expanding educational opportunity across our region, they have positively impacted countless students. We are proud to recognize their outstanding contributions.”
More information about the NISOD Excellence Awards is available at www.nisod.org.