ortheast Regional Honors Council
Honors Professional of the Year Awards
The call for nominations for This Award is now closed.
See our 2026 award winners below!
2026 Honors Professionals of the Year
2026 Honors Professional of the Year
Administrator Category
Dr. Michael Burke
St. Joseph's University New York
In his 13-year tenure as administrator of the St. Joseph's University honors program, Dr. Michael Burke (now retired) advanced the program and made contributions beyond the core curricula. Revered by students, faculty, and his successor, as their impressive nomination attests, Dr. Burke embodies both institution's values and the core values of honors.
2026
Honors Professional of the Year
Administrator Category
Dr. Jennifer Ross
Monmouth University
Whether they're in her office sitting on the rug or being coached on how to make their presentation at the NRHC Conference, Dr. Ross's students know how much she cares and cite her extraordinary dedication to honors students.
2026 Honors Professional of the Year
Faculty Category
Professor Robert Jacobson
Monroe University
Professor Robert Jacobsen brings creative flair to all that he does in his courses: incorporating experiential learning activities and constantly conveying his eagerness to help. One of his dynamic courses, Filmmaking through the Cell-phone Lens, is beloved by honors program students. Professor Jacobson exemplifies the impact that a great, innovative teachers have on students.
2026
Honors Professional of the Year
Staff Category
Matt Baran
SUNY Buffalo State University
A leader in honors education on his campus and in the NRHC, Matt Baran embodies his program's comfortable, welcoming vibe. Buttressing the community spirit and sense of belonging that characterizes the program and its newsletter, Matt is a force of cohesion and a team player always ready to lend a hand.
Past Winners
2025
Administrator Category:
Oyu Durzun-Ozkanka, Elizabethtown College
Staff Category:
Lauren DelSignore, University of Pittsburgh
Jan Pinkston, William Patterson University
2024
Administrator Category:
AnnMarie DelliPizzi, Dominican University New York
2023
Administrator Category:
Linda Kobylarz, Post University
Faculty Category:
Stephen Wells, Community College of Allegheny County
Staff Category:
Renee Shissler, Community College of Allegheny County
2022
Administrator Category:
Dr. Chauna Craig, Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Faculty Category:
Professor Scott Rudd, Monroe Community College
2021
Administrator Category:
Dr. Rivka Glaser, Stevenson University
Faculty Category:
Dr. George Branch-Trevathan, Thiel College
2020
Administrator Category:
Dr. Elizabeth Gruber, Lock Haven University
Faculty Category:
Dr. Tara Parrello, Dominican College
2019
Administrator Category:
Helen Fallon, Point Park University
Faculty Category:
Bruce Wigutow, Monroe College