​Announcement of 2025 Outstanding Faculty Awards

The Outstanding Full-Time Faculty Member recipient is Dr. Melvina Calvin-Edwards, assistant professor and coordinator of the Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Programs in the Business, Technology & Human Services Division.

 Melvina's journey with KCC began in 1996 as a law enforcement student and bookstore employee. She returned in 2012 as an adjunct instructor and has since earned her doctorate degree, a milestone that helped lead to her current role. In addition to her full-time teaching responsibilities, Melvina continues to serve as a sergeant with the Kankakee Police Department.

Professor Calvin-Edwards brings a hands-on, real-world approach to the classroom, using simulations, mock crime scenes, student presentations, and the MILO (Multiple Interactive Learning Objectives) Simulation Lab to help students develop confidence, leadership and investigative skills. She also invites local law enforcement professionals to share their perspectives, and her students participate in events like the Health Careers Inter-Professional Simulation.

The Outstanding Part-Time Faculty Member recipient is Sherry Kinzler, who teaches American Sign Language (ASL) courses in the Liberal Arts and Sciences Division.

 Sherry has served KCC for over 21 years as the staff ASL interpreter and senior coordinator for the Office of Disability Services. She brings her passion for American Sign Language as an instructor. She champions both the language and the culture of the Deaf community.

Sherry is most proud of returning to college at age 50 to earn her master's degree, fulfilling her dream of bringing ASL to KCC. Students say her classes are not only educational but also energizing and welcoming spaces where growth is celebrated.

"When I become the perfect instructor, I will expect the perfect student," she tells her students. This philosophy gives them permission to make mistakes, to try again, and to demonstrate grace and humility with themselves and others, Sherry said.