February 10, 2025
Three individuals from Delta College were identified by President Michael Gavin to receive a national award that recognizes and celebrates innovation in learning, teaching, professional development and student success.
Betheen Glady-Teschendorf, professor of English; Beth Kelch, associate professor of mathematics; and Kristy Nelson, director of Downtown Centers Student and Regional Engagement are the recipients of the 2024-25 League Excellence Award, presented by the League for Innovation in the Community College.
“It’s always a privilege to recognize individuals who truly go above and beyond for the Delta College community. Betheen, Beth, and Kristy have demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication in advancing our mission of student success and educational excellence,” says Dr. Michael Gavin, president of Delta College. “I am proud to see their work acknowledged at the national level with the League Excellence Award.”
Betheen, Beth and Kristy will receive their awards at the 2025 Innovations Conference in March.
Betheen Glady-Teschendorf began her career at Delta College 18 years ago in 2007. For most of her career, Betheen has facilitated efforts to enhance faculty professional development opportunities, which include planning annual gatherings, coordinating the learning communities program, co-leading an Achieving The Dream (ATD) grant-funded initiative called, “Engaging Adjuncts Project” and, now, co-leading the Faculty Center for Teaching Excellence (FCTE) initiatives.
“My work in professional development has allowed me to cultivate connections that are meaningful to me personally as well as professionally enriching,” says Betheen. “My work has allowed me build friendships and community, and I feel extremely lucky and blessed.”
Beth Kelch began her career at Delta College 20 years ago as a structured learning assistant.
As the 2020 Spirit of MLK Award recipient, Beth challenges faculty to grow in skills that create warmer, more connected and effective classroom environments for students of all backgrounds. She collaborates with collogues to initiate book discussions, faculty discussion groups (Faculty Investment Teams) and workshops. Beth also writes for the TGIF weekly newsletter, viewing the medium as another touchpoint for providing guidance and sharing important news and relevant resources with faculty.
“From facilitating learning in my classroom to directing activities in the Faculty Center for Teaching Excellence, I have attempted to encourage students and colleagues in their learning and growth,” Beth shares. “I am so very grateful for the opportunities to serve the Delta College community. It is indeed a privilege and a gift to have a career which brings such joy, satisfaction and value.”
Kristy Nelson began her career at Delta College ten years ago, though she has dedicated the past 25 years to working in higher education.
Kristy is involved in many college-wide projects that tap into her strengths. From representing Delta College on the Midland Area Career & College Access Network (MCAN) to her current role as co-chair of the milestones committee, Kristy infuses the goal of access and student success in everything she does.
“The most exciting change has been the opening of the downtown centers in Saginaw and Midland,” Kristy beams. “Both centers have provided so much opportunity to connect with the community, including amazing opportunities with dual enrollment. I have really enjoyed being able to contribute to enrollment management discussions and evaluating the course schedule needs from a Student Educational Support (SES) perspective.”
The League for Innovation in the Community College is an international nonprofit organization with a mission to cultivate innovation in the community college environment. In 1969, Delta joined 11 institutions across the country to become one of the original organizing members of the League. Delta continues to serve on its Board of Directors as a founding member.