Joliet Junior College Announces 2025 Outstanding Faculty Award Recipients

Joliet Junior College (JJC) has named Dr. Jennifer Wills-Savoia and Javier Reyes as the 2025 Outstanding Full-Time Faculty of the Year and the Outstanding Adjunct Faculty of the Year, respectively.

Both Dr. Wills-Savoia and Reyes work in highly regarded academic programs at JJC. Dr. Wills-Savoia is a nursing professor while Reyes is the culinary arts purchasing specialist who teaches the culinary purchasing class.

As JJC’s outstanding faculty award winners, Dr. Wills-Savoia and Reyes were submitted for consideration to the Illinois Community College Trustees Association (ICCTA) outstanding faculty awards.

“Being recognized for my work is both humbling and rewarding,” said Dr. Wills-Savoia. “It is such an honor to have my work acknowledged, because I feel that nursing education isn’t just what I do: it is my purpose and I feel that every day, even when it seems overwhelming!  This recognition shows me that the effort I put into my work truly matters and has a meaningful impact on others.”

Reyes echoed a similar sentiment, having held many roles since starting at JJC as a student in 2013.

“I feel incredibly honored to be recognized for my work at JJC,” said Reyes. “I started as a peer tutor in the Tutoring and Learning Center, then moved to an assistant in the culinary arts department, and now to a full-time support staff member and adjunct instructor. Every day I come to work, I feel fortunate to be a part of this community. So, to be awarded this recognition has been very moving and satisfying. I love teaching my students and helping them understand our industry better.”

Though Dr. Wills-Savoia is familiar with the College and nursing program as a JJC alumnus, she recognized being a faculty member required a different perspective and additional knowledge. As JJC prepared for its nursing program accreditation visit last year, Wills-Savoia rose to the occasion. The nursing professor views that as a key factor in receiving the outstanding faculty award.

“For me, the ACEN visit was an opportunity to immerse myself completely in the JJC culture, the nursing program and the College as a whole,” Dr. Wills-Savoia shared.” I wanted to gain a better understanding of its needs so that I could better serve it and learn my role in its continued success. I try to be responsive to the needs of the program, so I am happy to step up when needs arise.”

As for the adjunct faculty winner, Reyes credits culinary department chair Michael McGreal’s advocacy in helping him win the award among his JJC peers.

“He has always been an incredible mentor and ally of my work,” Reyes said. “He was able to communicate what I do and how I teach to the rest of the faculty. I hope they were able to see how passionate I am about our program and how I like to advocate for our students.”

While both award winners appreciate the recognition, the award is much more than an achievement to add to their resumes.

“Nursing education is constantly changing, and this award motivates me to work hard to stay current, focused and student centered to ensure the rigor of the JJC nursing program never changes,” said Dr. Wills-Savoia. “I am motivated by the students, staff, faculty and administration every day. JJC has been such a positive experience for me in my career, and I want to give back to the place where I started my own journey.”

“I believe JJC is where I will be for the rest of my career,” Reyes added. “I have found a place in my profession where I can contribute by helping our students become better culinarians. This recognition has encouraged me more to continue this pursuit, and improve myself professionally, so I can offer my students the best of me.”