The National Society of Leadership and Success Columbus chapter has recognized two Ivy Tech Community College employees for their commitment to student success.

Randy Proffitt, executive director or Marketing and Recruitment, says

that Dr. Thomas Sobat, Department Chair for Science, Mathematics and Psychology, has been awarded with the Excellence in Teaching Award and the Honorary Membership Award. Dr. Neil Bagadiong, Director of Student Life, Development, and Leadership, has received the Excellence in Service to Students Award.

Proffitt says the Excellence in Teaching Award is given to individuals who teach with passion, inspire students beyond the classroom, demonstrate dedication to developing students beyond academic qualifications and make a positive difference in the lives of society members. He says that the Honorary Membership Award is given to faculty, staff, or administrators who demonstrate leadership qualities in a personal and professional capacity and has played an integral role in fostering opportunities for growth and development among the administration and students.

Sobat has been a full-time professor with Ivy Tech Columbus since August 2008, said Proffitt. He adds that Sobat also serves as the Statewide Chair of the Life Science Curriculum Committee, the Academic Lead for the Associate Accelerated Program (ASAP), and the Director of Undergraduate Research at Columbus.

Proffitt says the Excellence in Service to Students Award is given to an individual that exemplifies leadership and mentorship and has demonstrated commitment to bettering the lives of students.

Bagadiong has served in a number of roles supporting students since

joining Ivy Tech 15 years ago, including admissions/registrar, career development, and now student life and leadership development, said Proffitt. He adds that Bagadiong started at the Ivy Tech campus in Anderson in 2000, then joined the Columbus region in 2004.