KCC Honors Seven Faculty and Staff Members in Battle Creek

Kellogg Community College is recognizing seven employees whose work spans student support, classroom instruction, career training and academic leadership in Battle Creek.

The college announced its 2026 President’s Employee of the Year and Faculty Excellence award recipients on November 3rd, 2026.

Both groups were honored during KCC’s annual all-employee General Session in August, with the recognition later featured in the September 2026 edition of BruIN magazine.

Abby Halstead, an instructional assistant in the Center for Student Success, received a President’s Employee of the Year Award.

Brian Murphy, a Business Administration instructor, and Brett Weiss, director of the Police Academy, also received Employee of the Year honors.

KCC says that award recognizes contributions to student success, positive relationships, an inclusive and respectful environment, continuous improvement, innovation, professional integrity and accountability.

The three recipients represent very different corners of the college, but each role connects directly to helping students move forward.

Four additional employees received Faculty Excellence awards, which are based on nominations submitted by students during the fall and spring semesters.

Dr. Austin Begley, a biology instructor, and Nancy Saline, a nursing instructor, received Full-Time Faculty Excellence awards.

Photography and Multimedia Professor Ryan Flathau received the Distinguished Faculty Award.

Transfer and Pathways Manager Dr. Tony Gillum received the Part-Time Faculty Excellence Award.

The faculty awards recognize full- and part-time faculty, librarians and counselors who demonstrate strong performance and provide outstanding service to students.

Student nominations give this recognition extra meaning because the people receiving it were selected for the impact students experienced firsthand.

The award recipients collectively touch academic advising, tutoring, biology, nursing, business, creative media and public-safety education.

That range shows how student success at a community college depends on more than a single classroom or department.

It also reflects KCC’s broader role in preparing students for transfer, professional careers and immediate entry into the regional workforce.

Q: Who received KCC’s 2026 Employee of the Year awards?

A: Abby Halstead, Brian Murphy and Brett Weiss received the President’s Employee of the Year awards.

Q: Who received KCC’s 2026 Faculty Excellence awards?

A: Dr. Austin Begley, Ryan Flathau, Dr. Tony Gillum and Nancy Saline received the four faculty honors.

Q: How are KCC Faculty Excellence recipients nominated?

A: Students submit nominations during the fall and spring semesters.