GateWay Community College has been named Honorable Mention for the 2025 Most Promising Places to Work in Community Colleges by the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) and Diverse: Issues In Higher Education. GateWay has received the NISOD recognition and/or honorable mention five times in the past eight years, and is thankful to be among the list of notable community colleges across the country.
“NISOD is proud to honor the recipients of the Most Promising Places to Work Award, recognizing institutions that demonstrate exceptional commitment to workplace belonging and employee support in higher education. These outstanding institutions set a benchmark for fostering environments where faculty and staff thrive,” said Kris Tolman, NISOD Interim Associate Director. “We celebrate their dedication to create empowering and growth-focused workplaces that drive meaningful change that ultimately supports student success.”
The recognition highlights community colleges nationwide that cultivate positive work environments through an assessment of various categories, including family friendliness, salary/benefits, and professional development opportunities.
“We are extremely proud to once again be named in the 2025 Most Promising Places to Work,” said Dr. Amy Diaz, GateWay Community College President. “A college is nothing without exceptional staff and faculty, and we recognize that our people are our most valuable assets. When they thrive, our students thrive.”
In addition to the workplace award, NISOD also holds a Student Essay Contest, where college students have the opportunity to write about a faculty member, staff member, or administrator who encouraged them during their academic journey. GateWay student Izen Cahill wrote an essay about Leona Morales, GateWay’s Sr. Program Manager for the Nina Mason Pulliam Scholars Program, a scholarship through the Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation. Cahill called his essay “The Pursuit of a Higher Education” and included the following about Morales:
“Although I knew I wanted to pursue a degree, the daunting reality of affording college seemed impossible under my circumstances.
With this uncertainty, I encountered an inspiring faculty member who would play a pivotal role in my educational journey: Leona Morales, the program manager for a grant offered at GateWay Community College. My first virtual meeting with her was a turning point. I entered the meeting feeling overwhelmed by my financial struggles and lack of a support system, but Leona listened attentively….
During our conversation, Leona explained that many students face challenges similar to mine. She highlighted stories of individuals who overcame adversity and significantly contributed to their fields. Hearing these stories was impactful; it made me realize that I, too, could create a brighter future for myself. Her words instilled a sense of hope that propelled me to continue my pursuit of a degree in Nursing. Leona encouraged me to leverage the resources available at the college, including tutoring and counseling services, which have been instrumental in my success. With her guidance, I began to see the path before me more clearly. I started to envision myself as a nurse, helping patients and providing them with the care and support they need. This vision became my driving force, motivating me to persevere despite the obstacles I faced, whether they were financial constraints, academic challenges, or personal setbacks. As I reflect on my journey, I am immensely grateful for the encouragement and support I received and still receive from Leona. Her belief in my potential helped me transition from a place of uncertainty to one filled with purpose and ambition. I am now committed to completing my degree and fulfilling my dream of making a meaningful impact in the lives of others.”
Read the full essay at https://www.nisod.org/membership/student-essay-contest/submission/?essayToken=3be07639a97263422f157365725013818409e702.
Dr. Diaz emphasized the importance of the college’s commitment to its faculty and staff, adding, “Izen’s essay demonstrates why we are dedicated to supporting GateWay employees—their success has a direct correlation to student success, and we want to provide an environment that celebrates that.”
To learn more about GateWay Community College, visit www.gatewaycc.edu.