This past fall, Rogue Community College took recognition to the next level by joining the League for Innovation’s Excellence Awards, a prestigious national recognition program open only to League member colleges.
The Excellence Awards are being leveraged to recognize and celebrate efforts early, shining a light on the individuals who are leading the way or finding innovative ways to align their work with the “Big 5” priorities.
About the Awards
Nominations were reviewed by a sub-committee of the E-team, with winners selected for Teaching Excellence and for Leadership Excellence
Excellence in teaching may be demonstrated through practices that inspire learning, foster student success and create meaningful educational experiences, and may come from any instructional activity.
Leadership at RCC is not confined to those in formal positions and may come from any employee group. Leadership at RCC may be demonstrated through initiative, collaboration, innovation, mentorship, advocacy, operational excellence or other meaningful contributions that advance the mission and effectiveness of the college.
Excellence Awards Recipients
We are excited to recognize this year’s League for Innovation’s Excellence awards recipients — colleagues whose work truly reflects the heart and mission of RCC.
Teaching Excellence
Haley Martin-Sherman, Humanities Instructor
One colleague shared “Haley’s commitment to student-centered teaching is evident in everything she does. Her enthusiasm engages students and strengthens our campus community. She’s also a generous colleague, consistently supporting and uplifting those around her. We’re grateful for the way she models what it means to ‘teach from your best self.’”
Leadership Excellence
Nicole Sakraida, Dean of Enrollment Management
One colleague shared “Feeling incredibly proud of Nicole Sakraida for her groundbreaking work in Enrollment Management. She is the first person in Oregon and one of only 84 people internationally to earn the AACRAO SEM Endorsement and Digital Badge. Her commitment to continuous growth and innovation for the benefit of our students and communities is truly inspiring.” Nicole’s dynamic leadership in strategic enrollment management, systems alignment and inclusive student success initiatives continues to shape RCC into a stronger, more connected and future-ready institution.”
Jamee Harrington, VP of People, Culture, & Safety/CHRO and Chief of Staff
One colleague shared “Jamee goes far beyond her role’s routine scope by designing systems and experiences that make people feel valued, seen and connected to our mission. She developed RCC’s Connectedness Framework, aligning data with leadership behaviors and recognition systems that make progress visible and lasting. She celebrates employees, strengthens collaboration across departments and models transparent, people-centered leadership every day. Both visionary and practitioner, Jamee mentors generously and leads with quiet strength that fosters unity and trust. Her leadership has changed our culture, strengthened our community and serves as a daily reminder of what true excellence looks like.”
What Comes Next?
Each recipient was presented with the 2025-2026 Excellence Awards badge to display in their signature line. This badge honors their dedication to excellence at a League member institution and acts as a visual cue to spark conversation around innovation, create relationships and build community.
The League will celebrate the 2025-2026 Excellence Award Recipients during the 2026 Innovations Conference, March 15-18, and encourages recipients to attend if they are able to.
Recipients who attend the conference will receive their Excellence Award medallion and League Awards Program on site. All certificates and remaining medallions and programs will be mailed to the president or chancellor of each participating institution for distribution after the conference.
All recipients for 2025-2026 League Excellence Awards are featured on the League’s website.
Please join us in congratulating these outstanding colleagues and thanking them for the excellence they bring to RCC every day!
For more information, please contact Karla Benitez-Sanchez by email or on Teams.