RVC History Professor Named Faculty of the Year

RVC History Professor Named Faculty of the Year

• faculty
• 04/07/2026

With over 50 faculty nominated, Rock Valley College proudly names history professor Dan Blumlo, Ph.D. as the 2026 Faculty of the Year following a campus-wide nomination and selection process.

"He is easily the best professor I have ever had," said one of many nominations for Dr. Blumlo. "He is entertaining, has well-organized courses, and is very open to any questions, contributions, and critiques."

The Faculty of the Year committee - chaired by Joe Haverly with members including Katie Buss, Maria Figiel-Kruger, Paul McCombs, Cher Miller, and Moria Nagy - opened student nominations in late fall. Students were invited to nominate faculty, supply testimonials, and indicate whether their names could be shared with nominees. Faculty input and an opt-out option were also solicited to ensure balanced consideration.

"This year's process drew 120 student nominations, naming 56 different faculty members. To manage the candidate pool, the committee narrowed the list to a top 10, requested professional development reports and dean support letters for finalists, and convened after spring break to select the winner," explained committee chair Joe Haverly

Students' testimonials highlighted instructors who inspire, support career advancement, and make challenging subjects engaging. Sample comments praised professors for clear expectations, thoughtful feedback, empathy, and the ability to make learning enjoyable - even in subjects like chemistry and environmental biology.

Faculty of the Year is a long-standing recognition at RVC, awarded continuously since 1989. Committee members noted the recurring appearance of many stellar educators among nominees year after year.

Accepting the honor, Blumlo thanked colleagues across campus, noting the contributions of public safety, the testing center, eLearning support, and administrative assistants in Arts and Sciences. The award presentation included an honorarium from the RVC Foundation, a medal, and a surprise appearance from Dan's family and friends. Blumlo's honor continues a tradition of acknowledging excellence in and out of the classroom at RVC.

Other nominations about Blumlo said:
"I have enjoyed his classes to the point that I have taken three. He gives every student ample chance for success, and he clearly lays out guidelines and expectations."

"He is an awesome teacher! He knows his stuff. He makes class interesting because he knows a lot and really cares about students' education. I always look forward to attending his lectures because I get to learn and relearn a lot of information every day. He is a kind teacher who deserves to win Faculty of the Year!"

"He's been a great instructor and really hopes you do well. He's a person you can trust."

"He's goated!"

As Faculty of the Year, Blumlo will deliver the commencement address for the Class of 2026 on May 16, 2026.

Blumlo is currently a professor of history at RVC where he joined the faculty in 2010. He holds three degrees from Florida State University (BA, MA, and PhD). In 2025, he wrote Rock Valley College: The Campus History Series for Arcadia Publishing.

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