Glen Oaks Community College is recognizing and celebrating the achievements of three women this month, who as a result of their hard work and dedication, recently received national and state recognization.

Tonya Howden, VP student services, has received the national Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society Distinguished College Administrator award recognizing college administrators working directly with student leaders to solve problems on campus and in their communities.  She is one of 28 administrations who will be recognized at PTK’s annual convention in Denver, Colorado, in April. Howden began her career with Glen Oaks in 2008 in admissions and has since held positions in admissions, including director of admissions. She resides in Vicksburg.

Anita Lopez-Schlabach, Early Middle College program director, has received the Dr. Chery Wagonlander EMC Excellence in Practice award. This is the first time this award has been presented through the Michigan Early Middle College Association to recognize practitioners whose passion, drive, and hard work contribute to the success of students and EMC programs across the state of Michigan. Lopez-Schlabach has been with Glen Oaks since 2015 and resides in Sturgis.

Alyse Bannister, welding instructor, has been selected by the Professional Organization of Women of Excellence Recognized (POWER). POWER features celebrities, icons and everyday hardworking women from different backgrounds, cultures and ethnicities working in various industries and professions on a national level. The organization recognizes women’s accomplishments and connects them with a powerful network of like-minded professionals. Bannister has been with Glen Oaks since 2015. She teaches welding to both CTE students in St. Joseph County and students in the welding technologies program at GOCC. Bannister resides in Portage.