Aug. 21, 2026 Three Grand Rapids Community College employees whose work strengthens the student experience, supports their colleges and extends GRCC’s impact into the community have been selected as the 2026 Excellence in Education Award recipients. The awards were presented during GRCC’s Opening Day celebrations, which bring faculty and staff together to mark the start of a new academic year. Established in 1989, the Excellence in Education Awards are among GRCC’s highest employee honors, recognizing a full-time faculty member, adjunct faculty member and staff member for exceptional contributions to teaching and learning, student success, college service, professional growth and community engagement. The 2026 recipients are: Faculty Award: Vikki Cooper, Professor of English   For more than 20 years, Vikki Cooper has helped GRCC students strengthen their academic skills, build confidence and see themselves reflected in their learning. In Developmental Reading and Multicultural Children’s Literature courses, Cooper uses collaborative activities, personalized projects, literature circles, multimedia and interactive storytelling to engage students with different backgrounds and learning needs. Her approach develops literacy skills while encouraging critical thinking, empathy and a greater appreciation for diverse perspectives. Cooper’s influence reaches well beyond her own classroom. A longtime leader in developmental education, she has served as Director of Developmental Education, supported GRCC’s Achieving the Dream work and trained faculty in evidence-based instructional practices through Reading Apprenticeship. She also contributes to academic governance and curriculum initiatives and serves as faculty liaison to the GRCC Foundation Board, where she advocates and raises support for student scholarships and resources. Her commitment to education extends into the Grand Rapids community, where she has tutored neighborhood children in reading, supported parents in advocating for their children and continued mentoring former students long after they leave her classroom. Earlier this year, Cooper received the Viola Tyler Goings Educator of the Year Award from the Phi Rho Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, recognizing her dedication to children and families. Adjunct Faculty Award: Martin “Marty” Hillard, Adjunct Faculty Member   For more than 15 years, Martin “Marty” Hillard has brought professional expertise, patience and a deep commitment to students and fellow faculty members to his work at GRCC. With a professional background in law and business, Hillard has taught across multiple disciplines and is known for making complex concepts approachable for students. Colleagues describe him as a thoughtful mentor who takes time to support students outside the classroom and creates a learning environment where they feel heard, respected and capable of succeeding. Hillard has also been a strong advocate and resource for adjunct faculty. His service has included the Academic Governing Council, Faculty Council, Faculty Association and work as a Grievance and Support Officer. He has observed adjunct faculty classes and provided constructive feedback to help colleagues strengthen their teaching. Whether mentoring a student, supporting a colleague or representing adjunct perspectives in collegewide conversations, Hillard is known for bringing a calm, analytical and compassionate approach to his work. His contributions have helped strengthen both the faculty experience and the learning environment for GRCC students. Photo note: Martin Hillard's photo resolution was improved with ElevenLabs. Staff Award: Bryan Door, IT Desktop Technician   Bryan Door’s work often happens behind the scenes, but its impact can be felt in classrooms, offices and events throughout GRCC. A trusted resource for technology support, Door is known for staying with a problem until it is truly resolved. His colleagues point not only to his technical expertise, but also to the patience and care he brings to each interaction. He takes time to explain solutions, ease frustrations and make sure faculty, staff and students have the technology they need to be successful. That dedication has included staying after hours when students encountered connectivity problems during an exam and waiting until an evening class ended to ensure an instructor’s technology was working properly. He also provides critical technology support for college events and athletics and is frequently called upon when particularly difficult problems arise. Door brings the same commitment to his own professional development. He has continued taking GRCC courses to expand his technical knowledge, completing nearly every course offered through the Computer Information Systems Department. His willingness to go the extra mile, combined with his problem-solving skills and service-minded approach, helps ensure technology supports — rather than stands in the way of — teaching, learning and the work of the college. Congratulations to Vikki, Marty and Bryan on this well-deserved recognition and for the many ways they make GRCC a stronger place to learn, work and belong! Learn About the Past Recipients