Congratulations to the 2026 ASA Leadership Award Recipients

Innovative Partnering and Collaboration Award

This award was created to recognize those partnerships and collaborations that reflect the changing nature of the educational landscape through use and integration of new technologies; creative approaches to critical workforce needs; and better supporting students to succeed in their higher education experience and beyond.

Learn more about the award criteria.

Presented to:

Carpentry and Cabinetmaking Program

Interior Design Program

Students built two beautiful homes with cabinets installed by the cabinetmakers at Saint Paul College and interior design students at Century College. The hope is that graduates from Century College and Saint Paul College could buy these homes using their education to advance social and economic mobility in their own backyards! This project truly exemplifies innovative college and community partnerships within the system.

Excellence in Curriculum Programming Award

This award honors academic programs that are responsive to the needs of employers and communities; prepare graduates to take on the key challenges in their given field; demonstrate collaboration across departments and with employers and the community; and are committed to equity and inclusion.

Learn more about the award criteria.

Presented to:

Intentional Course Scheduling ​

Melissa Leimbek, Dr. Kim Turner-Rush, Amy Goman, Dr. Tai Coleman, Gretchen Flaherty, Lindsay Fort

The Intentional Course Scheduling initiative is a collaborative effort involving academic leadership, deans, faculty, advisors, and operational staff to redesign course scheduling in ways that better meet student needs. This work directly supports the broader goal of ensuring students can enroll in the courses they need, when they need them, and complete their programs more efficiently. By creating a more predictable and accessible course schedule, the initiative seeks to support students with diverse educational, employment, and personal responsibilities.

Excellence in Equity Innovation Award

This award recognizes efforts to advance an innovative program, initiative, or service that results in improved educational experience. These innovations are rooted in an equity-minded lens, resulting in a collective and sustainable benefit for a broad range of stakeholders.

Learn more about the award criteria.

Presented to:

Education Pathways ​

Jeremy McNamara, Mustafa Dualeh, Kenny Chan, KeAnna Levy-Reed

Normandale Community College has long recognized the need to produce teachers who represent the students in our communities. Education Pathways seek to empower future educators through culturally responsive support and leadership development, so every child can learn from teachers who reflect their identities and lived experiences. Through intentional recruitment, comprehensive support, and a strong sense of community, Education Pathways is helping prepare the next generation of future educators while advancing a more diverse, representative, and equitable educator workforce in Minnesota.

Outstanding Academic and Student Affairs Administrator Award​

Learn more about the award criteria.

Presented to:

Jess Prody

Dean of Liberal Arts and Culture
Minneapolis College

Jess Prody has demonstrated exceptional leadership in advancing student success, innovation, and academic excellence. Through collaborative redesign of developmental English education, she helped remove barriers that had limited student progress, creating more effective pathways that improved outcomes and expanded support for learners.

Beyond her work in student success initiatives, Jess has emerged as a thoughtful leader in the responsible integration of artificial intelligence in teaching and learning. By fostering campus-wide dialogue, supporting faculty innovation, and helping shape institutional practices, she has positioned her college as a leader in navigating emerging technologies.

Known for her collaborative approach, commitment to professional development, and dedication to continuous improvement, Jess exemplifies the innovation, vision, and service recognized by the Outstanding ASA Administrator Award.