North Central Michigan College Early Childhood Education Program Coordinator Jennifer Wixson has received the 2026 Outstanding Faculty Award from the Michigan Community College Association (MCCA), one of the association’s highest honors recognizing professional achievement and dedication to Michigan’s community college mission.
Wixson received the award during the MCCA Summer Conference on Mackinac Island, where the association recognized outstanding leaders from Michigan’s community colleges as part of its 60th anniversary celebration. The award recognizes her leadership in early childhood education, workforce development and community engagement.
A full-time faculty member at North Central since 2019, following more than two decades as an adjunct instructor, Wixson leads the college’s Child Care Initiative and Family Friendly Campus Initiative. Through those collaborative efforts, she has helped expand access to high-quality child care, support student parents in achieving their educational goals and strengthen the early childhood workforce across Northern Michigan.
Beyond the classroom, Wixson works with employers, educators, policymakers and community organizations to develop solutions that address regional child care challenges while strengthening the early childhood profession. Under her leadership, North Central has become a recognized leader in creating innovative supports for student parents and expanding the early childhood workforce through education, community partnerships and grant-funded initiatives.
“Jen’s vision and commitment have transformed the way North Central supports student parents while helping address one of Northern Michigan’s most significant workforce challenges,” said NCMC President David Roland Finley. “Her work has improved opportunities for our students, strengthened our communities and elevated North Central as a leader in early childhood education.”
In June, Wixson began a two-year term as president of the Michigan Association for the Education of Young Children, the state’s leading professional organization dedicated to advancing high-quality early childhood education. She previously served as president-elect and as a member-at-large on the organization’s governing board, helping shape statewide professional development, advocacy and policy initiatives that support children, families and early childhood educators.
Before joining North Central as a full-time faculty member, Wixson taught kindergarten and first grade for 15 years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in child development and teaching from Michigan State University and a master’s degree in child development and family studies from Purdue University.
MCCA President Brandy Johnson said Wixson's work exemplifies the impact community college faculty can have on campus and in their communities.
“Jennifer’s work connecting classrooms, employers and families is exactly the kind of innovation that strengthens our communities. Her students, and her community, are better for it.”
The Outstanding Faculty Award recognizes professional achievement and dedication to the community college mission. Wixson was one of five individuals honored this year by the MCCA for their contributions to Michigan’s community colleges.