Left: Dr. Stephanie Polliard
Right: Voula Popovich
Scottsdale Community College (SCC) proudly announces that Communication faculty member Voula Popovich has been named a recipient of the 2026 American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) Dale P. Parnell Distinguished Faculty Award, a national honor recognizing outstanding community college educators.
The Dale P. Parnell Distinguished Faculty designation is awarded annually to instructors who go above and beyond to support student success, demonstrate a strong commitment to teaching, and foster a positive learning environment both inside and outside the classroom.
Popovich was selected for her dedication to her students and her ability to create an engaging learning environment that encourages students to participate and grow. Known for her creative teaching and mentorship, she builds strong connections with students while remaining active in campus initiatives. She has also developed a strong partnership with council members at the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community and was invited to present public speaking strategies at their annual council retreat at Talking Stick Resort in April 2026. Her exemplary work reflects the values and standards of the SCC community.
“With over 24 years of experience in education, it has been an honor to work closely with adult learners, facilitate discussions, and support students in both online and in-person settings,” said Popovich. “I encourage my students to respect different perspectives, think critically, and enjoy the learning process. My approach is to never talk down to my students but to consistently build them up.”
Popovich teaches a variety of communication and business courses, with a focus on public speaking, intercultural communication, and business communication. Her commitment to her students has made her a valued member of the SCC community.
“On behalf of Scottsdale Community College, we proudly congratulate Professor Popovich on this well-deserved national recognition,” said Dr. Eric Leshinskie, President of Scottsdale Community College. “Her dedication to her students, her approach to teaching, and her ability to create an engaging classroom environment represent the best of our institution. We are proud to have her on our faculty.”
The AACC Awards were presented during the organization’s annual conference, held April 10–14, 2026, in Seattle, Washington, where Voula attended and accepted the award alongside Dr. Stephanie Polliard, SCC’s Vice President of Academic Affairs, who was present at the ceremony.
This national recognition highlights Scottsdale Community College’s continued commitment to academic excellence and student success.