JJC Announces 2026 Outstanding Faculty Award Recipients

Joliet Junior College (JJC) has named Meaghan Callan as the 2026 Outstanding Full-Time Faculty Member of the Year and David Shaw as the 2026 Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Member of the Year, recognizing their excellence in teaching, commitment to students and leadership within their respective disciplines.

As JJC's outstanding faculty award recipients, Callan and Shaw have been submitted for consideration to the Illinois Community College Trustees Association's (ICCTA) Outstanding Faculty Awards.

Meaghan Callan

Professor Callan has served on JJC's faculty since 2007 and is a professor of art history and visual art program coordinator. Her teaching is grounded in a student-centered approach that helps learners make meaningful connections between art history and their own lives.

"At its core, art is a human language," Callan said. "My role as a teacher is to help students learn how to read it - by looking carefully, thinking critically and understanding how visual ideas shape the world around them."

Callan encourages students to draw connections between historical works of art and contemporary visual culture, including media such as video games, digital design and tattoo art. Through written visual analysis assignments and guided discussion, students develop visual literacy skills that extend beyond the classroom and strengthen observation, analysis and critical thinking.

Her commitment to inclusive and accessible teaching is evident in her collaboration with the College's disability services office to support a visually impaired student enrolled in an art history course. By adapting instructional strategies and emphasizing detailed verbal description and analytical discussion, Callan ensured the student could fully meet course learning outcomes while strengthening accessible teaching practices that benefit all learners.

In addition to her classroom work, Callan has demonstrated leadership in instructional innovation by developing high-quality online art history courses aligned with JJC iCampus standards and nationally recognized best practices. She integrates digital museum collections and archives into coursework, allowing students to engage directly with global art collections while building analytical skills used by art historians and museum professionals.

Callan also serves on the curriculum committee and is a past member of the student learning committee, contributing to institutional assessment, academic standards and accreditation efforts. As visual art program coordinator, she mentors faculty, supports curriculum development and ensures program coherence and academic rigor.

David Shaw

David Shaw, an adjunct faculty member in the process control and instrumentation technology (PCIT) program, is recognized for creating a supportive, hands-on learning environment that prepares students for success in technical careers.

"Teaching instrumentation has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career," Shaw said. "My goal is for students to leave with confidence and curiosity - ready to keep learning throughout their careers."

Drawing on his professional experience as a technician, Shaw integrates real-world examples into classroom instruction and pairs theory with hands-on labs that mirror industry practices. Students perform complex tasks such as tank level calculations and valve calibrations using modern technologies, while learning to view mistakes as opportunities for growth rather than setbacks.

Shaw emphasizes collaboration, teamwork and practical problem solving, helping students develop skills essential for the workplace. He is known for being approachable and for making himself available to students outside of class to support learning and understanding.

In addition to teaching in the PCIT program, Shaw has taught instrumentation courses within the petrochemical program, where he emphasized the role of accurate instrumentation in ensuring operational efficiency and safety. He routinely updates lessons and lab activities to reflect evolving technologies, consulting with industry professionals to ensure coursework remains current and relevant.

Beyond the classroom, Shaw promotes the PCIT program through career days and industry events, engaging with prospective students, families and employers to highlight workforce opportunities and the value of technical education. His commitment to ongoing professional development includes a U.S. Department of Labor-recognized apprenticeship and certification as an ISA Level 1 Certified Control Systems Technician.

The Outstanding Faculty Awards honor educators whose work reflects JJC's commitment to academic excellence, student success and community engagement. Both recipients demonstrate a deep dedication to their students and to the mission of community colleges to provide accessible, high-quality education.