CHICAGO, Ill. (March 15, 2023) – Shanina M. Thomas, adjunct professor of African American studies and history at Harold Washington College, has been awarded the American Association of Community Colleges’ (AACC) Dale P. Parnell Faculty Distinction Recognition for 2023.
The award is named in honor of former AACC President and CEO Dale P. Parnell and recognizes individuals making a difference in college classrooms.
Professor Thomas is an alum of City Colleges of Chicago, having earned her associate degree in African American studies from Olive-Harvey College. Later, she attended Chicago State University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in African American studies and a master’s in history. She graduated with honors.
Thomas says she has been fascinated with African American history since childhood. Teaching gives her an opportunity to share that passion with others. “As an educator, I feel a great responsibility to help my students continue on their path of life-long learning,” said Thomas.
In 2019, Thomas won the Star Award from South Suburban College for outstanding leadership in education. In 2021, she was recognized as a Woman of Excellence by the Chicago Defender. She was nominated in 2022 for the Illinois Community College Trustees Association’s Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Member Award.
