By Mira Radovich, Senior Contributing Writer
Rio Salado College Math Faculty Chair Dr. Donna Tannehill is one of several instructors nationally to receive the 2026 American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) Dale P. Parnell Distinguished Faculty designation.
The award is given annually to community college instructors who go above and beyond to ensure student success, demonstrate passion for the classroom, and provide exceptional support to students.
“I am incredibly honored and humbled to receive the Dale P. Parnell Distinguished Faculty Award,” Tannehill said. “Knowing this award celebrates educators who make a difference in the classroom makes it especially meaningful to me, because helping students build confidence and succeed in mathematics has been my lifelong goal.”
Tannehill was nominated by Rio Salado College President Kate Smith. In her nomination letter, Smith wrote, “Today and throughout her career as an educator, Dr. Tannehill has clearly demonstrated a passion for students and the classroom through her innovative thinking and fierce dedication to academic excellence and student success.”
Smith highlighted Tannehill’s work on Rio Salado’s Textbook Access & Affordability Taskforce that expanded open education resources and zero-cost textbook options for students. Tannehill led the initiative to eliminate textbook costs in all required math courses, which resulted in an estimated $200K in savings for Rio Salado College students in the 2024-25 academic year.
In addition, Tannehill was among the initial committee members of Maricopa Millions, a project that has generated more than $270 million in textbook savings for Maricopa Community College students since 2013.
Tannehill’s commitment to supporting students inside and outside the classroom is evident in her day-to-day work and mentorship. That dedication is reflected in an excerpt she contributed to a 2025 Women’s History Month newsletter:
“I struggled with university-level math early in my college journey, and it wasn’t until I attended a community college that I found the support and confidence I needed to succeed. My journey— from struggling student to math instructor— has reinforced my commitment to helping others navigate their own paths in STEM. Community colleges are places of opportunity, and I am proud to be part of that mission, ensuring that students, especially women and other underrepresented groups in STEM, receive the support they need to thrive.”
The AACC Awards will be presented at the organization’s annual conference in Seattle, April 10-14, 2026.