This prestigious national honor recognizes exceptional faculty and administrators at two-year colleges who demonstrate outstanding leadership, teaching, and innovation in honors education. The NCHC, now approaching 60 years of advancing honors learning and academic excellence, presents the award annually to individuals whose vision and commitment elevate opportunities for high-achieving students across the country.

“This is such a tremendous honor and so well deserved,” said Dr. Roger Schultz, MSJC Superintendent/President. “It’s wonderful to see Erik recognized nationally for the outstanding work he’s done to build and lead our Honors Enrichment Program. We’re incredibly fortunate to have someone of his caliber who makes the program—and our students’ experience—so special.”

Ozolins will be formally honored at the NCHC Annual Conference in San Diego on Saturday, November 8, 2025, during the organization’s highlighted Awards Ceremony, where he will deliver remarks from the main stage among national leaders in honors education.

“I am deeply honored—and quite surprised—to receive this award,” said Ozolins. “To me, this recognition truly reflects the incredible students in our Honors Enrichment Program and their unwavering focus and determination. It also celebrates our exceptional Honors faculty, who not only inspire and mentor their students but also continually strengthen the program through their dedication and collaboration. I’ve also had the privilege of working alongside my fellow co-director, Christina Yamanaka-Vu, whose leadership and passion for honors education constantly inspire me. Together, we strive to ensure that the MSJC Honors Enrichment Program remains among the very best in California and across the nation.”

Under his co-direction, MSJC’s Honors Enrichment Program has grown into a vibrant academic community that empowers students to deepen their intellectual curiosity, develop research skills, and compete successfully for transfer to top universities. As both a faculty leader and department chair, Ozolins has been instrumental in integrating interdisciplinary learning and fostering a culture of inclusion and excellence within the Honors Program and across the college.

The Ron Brandolini Award underscores MSJC’s continued national reputation for academic excellence and its commitment to student achievement through innovative teaching, equity-minded leadership, and community engagement.

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