Paradise Valley Community College is proud to announce that CIS Residential Faculty Dr. Michelle Carter has been selected as a 2025 recipient of the Dale P. Parnell Distinguished Faculty Recognition, awarded by the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC). This prestigious honor recognizes faculty members who make a lasting impact in the classroom and beyond, demonstrating passion, leadership, and commitment to student success.
Named in memory of former AACC President and CEO Dale P. Parnell, the recognition highlights educators who go above and beyond to support students, exemplify excellence in teaching, and embody the values of the community college mission. Dr. Carter joins an esteemed group of PVCC faculty previously recognized with this award, including Julie Olander (2022), Dr. Dina Preston-Ortiz (2019), David Bradley (2020), and Dr. Casey Durandet (2021).
Dr. Carter began her PVCC journey 23 years ago as an adjunct professor in Information Technology. For the past 12 years, she has served as a full-time faculty member. Her enduring dedication to PVCC has left a lasting imprint on the college, particularly through her leadership of the 2024 Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Reaffirmation of Accreditation Project.
"Dr. Carter’s leadership of the 2024 HLC Reaffirmation of Accreditation Project was both inspiring and transformative,” said PVCC President Dr. Jana Schwartz. “Driven by her deep loyalty to PVCC, she led five criterion teams, coordinated extensive documentation, and facilitated countless retreats and reviews—all while fostering a powerful sense of community and collaboration. Her tireless efforts not only ensured a successful accreditation process but also united our college in a shared purpose. Her leadership has left a lasting imprint on our institution and stands as a testament to her integrity, resilience, and enduring passion for student and faculty success."
In her role as project lead, Dr. Carter orchestrated the work of five criterion teams, ensuring that monthly and weekly meetings addressed key goals, tracked progress, and upheld high standards. She prepared team training materials, created supporting documentation, and provided strategic coaching to keep the entire project on course. Her coordination, communication, and perseverance were instrumental in achieving accreditation reaffirmation.
"Paradise Valley Community College has been my professional home for more than two decades, and I’ve poured my heart into supporting our students, faculty, and community," said Dr. Carter. "Leading the 2024 HLC Reaffirmation of Accreditation Project was one of the most meaningful experiences of my career. It wasn’t just about meeting accreditation standards—it was about building something lasting for PVCC’s future. I’m incredibly proud of the collaboration, commitment, and unity this project sparked across our college. That sense of shared purpose is what makes PVCC so special, and I’m honored to continue serving a place I care so deeply about."
Dr. Carter's recognition is a testament to her extraordinary leadership and dedication through periods of significant transition and institutional growth. Her work not only reaffirmed PVCC's accreditation but also inspired a renewed sense of purpose and unity throughout the college.
To learn more about the Dale P. Parnell Distinguished Faculty Recognition, click here.