Outstanding Faculty Award winners
Published May 06, 2026
Each year, College of Lake County (CLC) students pick one full-time and one adjunct faculty to be honored as the Outstanding Faculty Award recipients. Health and wellness promotion instructor Dr. Joana Pabedinskas and early childhood education adjunct instructor Dr. Carlotta Conley were selected as the 2026 winners.
Pabedinskas has taught in higher education for 29 years, 13 at CLC, and has a deep passion for what she does. She describes receiving the award as incredibly meaningful and humbling, reflecting her dedication to her students.
She is known for her learner-centered and versatile teaching style and values building strong connections through advising, office hours and classroom experiences.
“I am here first and foremost for our students,” she said. “I am committed to seeing each student succeed in what they are most passionate about.”
Conley has spent 30 years teaching students from early childhood through college. In addition to her role as Director of the Children’s Learning Center at CLC, she has taught courses in early childhood education for more than 15 years.
Her favorite moment remains the “aha” when a student tries something new and realizes they can succeed.
“To be nominated by your students is a very high honor,” she said. “It says a lot about you as an instructor for students to feel the need to recognize you.”
These faculty members will represent CLC in a statewide competition sponsored by the Illinois Community College Trustees Association and take the stage as featured speakers at the college’s commencement ceremonies in May and December 2026.