MAC honors faculty member for student success

The Mid-American Conference has honored Central Michigan University faculty member Holly Hoffman as one of its first-ever Outstanding Faculty Award for Student Success recipients.

Hoffman, a faculty member in Human Development and Family Studies, received the award for her work to support and develop students inside and outside of the classroom.

"I am honored to be employed by a university that recognizes and supports a strong commitment to student success," Hoffman said in her award nomination letter. "Serving and learning alongside students is of utmost importance."

Hoffman's involvement with students has included co-leading a Study Abroad trip to teach in orphanages in Oaxaca, Mexico; leading a class to volunteer with Special Olympics Michigan; attending students' sporting events and concerts; and ringing the " Honors Gong" to celebrate completion of seniors' capstone projects. She was instrumental in creating CMU's Brazelton Touchpoints for parents and Future Educators Learning Community programs.

She also has served as a faculty advisor for student organizations including Parents Attending Central, Future Child Advocates and Connections that Count.

The 12-institution MAC athletics conference said in a news release that it created the annual award to celebrate its commitment to a holistic student experience and the creation of an environment that supports success in school and life.

Hoffman "clearly exemplifies the commitment to student success, support for inclusion, and appreciation for the MAC core values that are at the heart of this award," the announcement said.