Nadine Arroyo Rodriguez, director of journalism and new media studies in Mesa Community College’s English Department, was recently honored at the Pete C. Garcia Victoria Foundation Arizona Higher Education Awards ceremony with the Dr. Alfredo G. de los Santos Jr. Outstanding Latina/Latino Faculty Service/Teaching in Higher Education Award.

The award was given Sept. 25 at the Helios Education Foundation, 4747 N. 32nd St. Phoenix.

This award, presented to individuals for their commitment to student achievement and outstanding teaching and leadership, is named after de los Santos, who served for more than 21 years as vice chancellor for student and educational development at the Maricopa County Community College District and as a research professor for the Hispanic Research Center at Arizona State University, according to a release.

Arroyo Rodriguez brings to her role as journalism faculty at Mesa Community College nearly 20 years’ experience as a producer and reporter in media such as Arizona PBS and public radio entities within the KJZZ 91.5FM group. At MCC for nine years, she has served in roles such as director of the journalism and new media studies program; advisor to the Mesa Legend student newspaper; and advisor to the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society - Omicron Beta chapter. She is also chair of the Maricopa Community Colleges Journalism Instructional Council and is on the board of directors of the Journalism And Women Symposium.

“We must educate the next generation of reporters and media communicators in the basics of journalism, research, fact seeking, ethics and the ever-evolving tools of the profession,” Arroyo Rodriguez said in the release. “It is an honor to share my experience and knowledge of the industry with students excited to join this crucial profession.”