Student Nominations Earn Two City Colleges Leaders Esteemed Awards

Malcolm X College President David A. Sanders and Olive-Harvey College Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs Dr. Brandon Nichols are the recipients of esteemed awards from the national Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.

President Sanders has been awarded the Phi Theta Kappa Shirley B. Gordon Award of Distinction, the society’s most prestigious award for community college presidents. Dr. Nichols has been awarded the Phi Theta Kappa Distinguished College Administrator Award, an esteemed honor for college administrators.

Both awards are held in high regard because they are selected from student nominations. In their nominations, Malcolm X and Olive-Harvey students highlighted President Sanders’ and Dr. Nichols’ commitment to student success in and out of the classroom, the educational and personal opportunities afforded to them, the support services available, and pathways to transfer and employment.

“Creating a culture of excellence and student success is my top priority as a college leader,” President Sanders said. “Malcolm X College students are the reason why I do this work, so to be nominated by them for this honor is both humbling and motivating.”

“Supporting student success is my passion—it’s the reason why I’ve pursued a career in higher education for nearly two decades,” Dr. Nichols shared. “Olive-Harvey College is making an impact on students’ lives, and the ability to be a part of their journeys—and then to be recognized by them for it—is wonderful.”

All honorees are invited to the Phi Theta Kappa’s annual convention in April in Orlando, Florida. There, President Sanders and Dr. Nichols, along with the other award recipients, will be honored during a luncheon.