Four individuals from Delta College were selected to receive a national award that recognizes and celebrates innovation in learning, teaching, professional development and student success.
Toni Clegg, professor of accounting; Laura Dull, professor of history; Michael Faleski, professor physics; and Michele Pratt, manager of Library Programs and Academic Services are the recipients of the 2025-26 League Excellence Award, presented by the League for Innovation in the Community College.
The Innovations Conference provides a platform for sharing ideas and showcasing programs initiated at community colleges across the globe, fostering collaboration in teaching, leadership and institutional advancement. Dr. Michael Gavin will also be in attendance as Sunday’s keynote speaker.
Toni, Laura, Michael and Michele will receive their awards at the 2026 Innovations Conference in March.
Toni Clegg began her career at Delta College in 2006, serving in several leadership roles throughout her twenty-plus-year career, with her leadership in program and institutional assessment as the most impactful.
From developing and implementing a sustainable program assessment process and documentation to developing a plan for institutional assessment, Toni is committed to improving student learning across the college. Her use of classroom and program assessment activities to inform teaching excellence is a core practice. She is most proud of her contributions to Delta’s re-accreditation activities and student success.
Laura Dull began her career at Delta College 28 years ago in 1998 as an adjunct instructor and became full-time in 2001.
Laura has provided exceptional faculty support and leadership on a number of initiatives throughout her tenure. Highlights include her role in creating the Humanities Learning Center (HLC), and maintaining a seat on its advisory board; her early adoption, leadership and continued advocacy for the Open Educational Resources (OER) movement at Delta College; and her leadership in organizing the general education disciplines in being viewed as programs, which included drafting major pathways that help students understand how their Delta degrees connect to their majors at their chosen four-year institution.
“I am excited to see the work of our OER Committee recognized, particularly the work of my colleague, Michele Pratt, who brought this movement to Delta and who provides the muscle behind making it happen for faculty,” shares Laura. “There are so many who have put their time and passion into this project for the good of our students. It is truly heartwarming.”
Michael Faleski began his career at Delta College 23 years ago in 2003.
Throughout his tenure, Michael is always filled with a sense of pride whenever a former student reaches out to tell him that the foundation he helped them build contributed to their successes at their respective four-year universities.
“In the classroom, I strive to use multiple representations as a way to help students understand why I get so excited by physics,” shares Michael. “As we say in class quite often, there are many ways to pet a cat.”
Michele Pratt began her career at Delta College 12 years ago in 2014.
Throughout her time at Delta, a constant has been her focus on supporting student success and learning. When Michele first joined the college, the library only provided print books for students. Now, with the adoption of new technologies and initiatives, students can access a much larger selection of digital books, laptops, phone chargers, e-resources and many others designed to foster student success. Michele played a major role in implementing the Open Educational Resources (OER) movement at Delta College and is the current co-chair of the OER Committee — saving students over $4 million in textbook expenses since its launch in 2016.
“I am very proud to be a part of launching and maintaining such a high-impact, high-savings resource for our students,” says Michele. “It’s very much a team effort. The committee is instrumental in ensuring this program continues to be successful.”
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 College 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.
