FORT WORTH — Tarrant County College celebrated the faculty and staff whose talent and dedication continue to elevate student success at the annual awards ceremony Aug. 14.
The 2026 Trailblazers Awards recognized employees for excellence in teaching, innovation, leadership and service while also honoring faculty and staff marking a service milestone year at the college. Honorees were nominated by their peers and by students.
“Today we celebrate the Trailblazers of Tarrant County College — our remarkable faculty and staff — and their commitment to empower our community,” Chancellor Elva LeBlanc said. “The TCC experience is more than a career. It is a calling grounded in purpose and fulfillment.”
College leaders at the ceremony reflected on the role employees have played in proclaiming TCC’s mission. Over the past academic year, enrollment increased for a fourth consecutive year and more than 9,000 credentials were awarded. More than 700 high school students earned associate degrees.
Board of Trustees President Jeannie DeKayne credited the College’s success to the dedication and commitment of its faculty and staff.
“Every student you encourage, every problem you solve, every class you teach, every office you keep running and every challenge you tackle contributes to something much bigger than any one of us,” she said. “You create opportunities, strengthen our communities and change lives in ways that often extend far beyond our campuses.”
Two hundred forty-nine employees celebrated service milestones ranging from five to 45 years.
“Your fingerprints are all over the achievements of this College,” LeBlanc told employees. “Our faculty and staff bring imagination and enthusiasm to their work each day, and this strengthens TCC’s reputation for innovation and engagement. Thank you for being part of our legacy and for continuing to shape it with energy and purpose.”
This year’s Chancellor’s Award recipients were recognized for work that expands opportunity, strengthens student success and advances innovation across the College. Their accomplishments include transforming instructional programs to meet workforce demand, creating new approaches to student advising and virtual support, developing AI-powered learning tools, strengthening career readiness, and fostering classroom environments that build critical thinking and confidence.
Together, their work reflects a shared commitment to removing barriers, improving the student experience and preparing students for success beyond the classroom.
2026 Chancellor’s Faculty Awards
Bhavani Kola, Instructor of Mathematics
Chancellor’s Distinguished Faculty Award
Honors a full-time faculty member for excellence in teaching and service.
Sara Derden, Instructor of Vocational Nursing
Chancellor’s Outstanding Teaching Award
Honors a full-time faculty member who has demonstrated excellence in teaching.
Ngoc “Cathy” Trinh, Instructor of Business Administration & Management
Chancellor’s Outstanding Service Award
Honors a faculty member who has demonstrated excellence in one or more service areas as defined in the Faculty Framework for student Success: institutional engagement, professional engagement and/or community engagement.
Michael Medina, Instructor of Welding
Chancellor’s Innovation Award
Honors a faculty member or group of faculty within a program or division who demonstrate excellence in creating a superior project or activity that supports teaching and learning and improves awareness of a program.
2026 Chancellor’s Staff Awards
Natalie Shrestha, Career Advisor
Chancellor’s Staff Award for Outstanding Service
Recognizes a full-time employee who demonstrates exceptional service and a commitment to creating a meaningful and lasting impact on the student experience.
Jacqueline Garcia Munoz
Chancellor’s Staff Award for Innovation
Honors a staff member who demonstrates excellence in the creation of a project or activity that supports or improves or brings awareness to a program.
About Tarrant County College
Tarrant County College serves nearly 100,000 students each year, offering accessible, affordable pathways to in-demand careers and university transfer. Across multiple campuses and TCC Connect — a fully online learning option — the College partners with more than 1,200 employers to help build the workforce that drives North Texas forward. Bold Steps. Better Futures.
