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Dr. Lauren Englade-Franklin, professor of chemistry, is presented with Nunez Community College’s 2026 Excellence In Teaching Award May 20 during Nunez’s 34th Commencement Ceremony at the Sigur Center in Chalmette. Dr. Franklin was presented with the award onstage by the 2025 winner, Dr. Charles Miller, associate professor of sociology.
Science Professor Celebrated Alongside Fellow Finalists Chosen By Nunez Faculty
Nunez Community College proudly presented its 2026 Excellence In Teaching Award to Dr. Lauren Englade-Franklin during the college’s 34th Commencement Ceremony.
Dr. Franklin, a professor of chemistry, has spent 11 years at Nunez helping students realize they can succeed in an intimidating subject. A previous winner of the Excellence In Teaching Award (EITA) in 2019, Dr. Franklin is known for her approachable teaching style and breaking down complex concepts into clear, meaningful ideas.
In addition to teaching her science courses, Dr. Franklin serves as Chair of the General Educational Assessment Committee, supporting institutional improvement and student success. She earned her doctor of philosophy in chemistry from Louisiana State University and her bachelor of science in biochemistry from Louisiana Tech University.
She was presented with the award onstage at commencement by the 2025 EITA winner, Dr. Charles Miller, associate professor of sociology
“Thank you so much to the faculty for selecting me for this award. It’s truly an honor every day to serve with you. I learn so much from you all in the classroom,” said Dr. Franklin during her acceptance remarks. “I truly love it here at Nunez.”
She closed her remarks with one last science joke for her students: “Never trust an atom, because they make everything up.”
Along with the EITA, Dr. Franklin will also receive the Lamarque Endowed Fellowship, which provides funding for professional development opportunities. The endowed fellowship has been awarded to the EITA winner at graduation since 2007.
Three of Our Finest: Nunez’s ‘Excellence In Teaching’ Finalists
Franklin and her fellow finalists for the EITA, Alex Mulvaney, instrumentation instructor, and Fred Sakon, instructor of mathematics, were recognized as Nunez’s top instructors April 27 during the college’s annual EITA Luncheon.
Nunez faculty vote on three finalists each year, and the Excellence In Teaching Committee, chaired by the previous year’s award recipient, agree on the winner after observing the three finalists as they teach their classes.
“Dr. Englade-Franklin exemplifies the very best of Nunez Community College—dedication to student success, excellence in the classroom, and a deep commitment to continuous improvement,” said Dr. Tina Tinny, Nunez Chancellor. “Her ability to make complex subject matter accessible and relevant demonstrates that she cares about how the subject matter is presented; yet, what sets her apart is that she cares even more about her students!
“We are also proud to recognize Alex Mulvaney and Fred Sakon, whose outstanding work and commitment to our students made this year’s selection especially difficult. Together, these faculty members represent the exceptional quality of care our students experience every day at Nunez.”
A peer from each finalist’s department introduced them at the luncheon, sharing the qualities they’ve witnessed in each finalist that make them favorites to both students and faculty. Dr. Franklin was introduced by Dr. Alaa Khalil, assistant professor of biology. Mulvaney was introduced by Wallace Rodrigue, instructor of instrumentation. And Sakon was introduced by Christine Griggs, chair of math and science.
The finalists also offered their personal philosophies on teaching alongside their biographies.
“Learning is most powerful when students can confidently explain what they understand. Teaching is not only about delivering content, but about building confidence, reducing fear, and helping students recognize their potential,” said Dr. Franklin.
“My primary goal is to show students that they are capable of doing hard things. I am deeply grateful to the faculty and community at Nunez for fostering an environment where we can instill that resilience in our students every day,” said Mulvaney.
“Behind every one of our students is a community of dedicated staff and faculty. Thank you for being here with me to bring them success in math,” said Sakon.
