Alvin College Excellence Award Winners

Alvin College faculty members honored Computer Technology Management Chair Michael Smith and Nursing instructor Ashely White with the 2025-26 League of Innovation Excellence Award.
The League Excellence Award recognizes outstanding contributions and leadership by community college faculty and staff. Recipients are recognized in a series of activities and promotions.
Alvin College administrators and faculty nominate full-time colleagues for these awards with one designated for an academic faculty and the other for technical faculty. Recipients receive commemorative medallions and certificates in recognition of the awards. Additionally, recipients attend The League’s annual conference in March to participate in professional development sessions and celebrate recognition of their Excellence Awards.
White was excited to receive the Innovation Excellence award as it came from her fellow faculty members.
“I am incredibly honored to be named the recipient of this award,” she said. “Being nominated by a fellow faculty member makes this award especially meaningful. It is incredibly encouraging to know that my peers recognize the innovative strategies I am implementing to help students succeed.”
Smith said receiving the award from his fellow educators is inspiring.
“I am honored to receive this recognition, but I believe it reflects the collective efforts of the division rather than an individual achievement,” he said. “I'm fortunate to be part of such a great team.”
White began teaching as an adjunct at Alvin College in 2010 and became a full-time instructor two years later.
“I chose to become a nurse educator to ensure future nurses are well-prepared to deliver safe, high-quality patient care,” she said. “Having a strong educational foundation is crucial when people's lives are at stake, and I believe there is no greater role than preparing the next generation of excellent healthcare providers.”
Smith joined the college 16 years ago and said he became an educator after he was inspired by his father Frank Smith, who taught classes through the college’s program with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
“Following in his footsteps felt like a natural calling and a meaningful way to honor his legacy,” Smith said. “I believe teaching is a privilege that allows us to shape minds and make a lasting difference in students' lives.”