Lisa Strong Chosen as Northwest's Sandy Grisham Excellence in Teaching Award Recipient

by Sarah Ashley Smith-Hutchinson

Senatobia, MS (08/19/2026) — At Northwest Mississippi Community College's Convocation on Aug. 10, Northwest's President, Dr. Michael J. Heindl announced the newest recipient of the Sandy Grisham Excellence in Teaching Award which was accepted by science instructor Lisa Strong, who received the award from Grisham herself. Grisham, who was in attendance with her husband Vaughn, retired from Northwest as a social science instructor who cared deeply about the craft of teaching.

For Strong, this award represents years of work and dedication to teaching, and she was honored to be chosen as its recipient in 2026.

"I am truly honored to be recognized by a place that has been such an important part of my life for so many years," said Strong. "Northwest feels like home to me, and I am grateful for the opportunities I have been given to grow as an educator and to hopefully make a positive difference in the lives of our students and faculty. To be recognized for doing something I genuinely love makes this award especially meaningful to me."

Once a student herself, she attended Northwest from 1995 to 1997 before going to Delta State University where she received a bachelor's degree in Biology Education in 1999, then her master's degree from the University of Mississippi in 2003. To her, it was special not only to be able to come back but also teach in a department where just years prior she was in those students' position. Being a student made a difference in her own life, and she hopes with every student to make a difference in theirs too. Seeing how Northwest changes lives from both perspectives, those unique insights help make her the instructor she is.

"The most rewarding part of teaching is knowing that you have made a difference in someone's life," said Strong. "Sometimes it is helping a student finally understand a difficult concept, and sometimes it is simply encouraging a student who is struggling and reminding them that they are capable of succeeding.

"I also love biology, and I feel very fortunate that I get to share a subject that I am passionate about with my students. There is something incredibly rewarding about watching students become curious, gain confidence, and begin to see how the material they are learning connects to their future careers and their everyday lives."

Strong said that having more than 20 years of experience behind her, she is proud of the work she's done and is excited for all the work she can do going forward, saying that she still has the joy for teaching, learning and helping others which makes this profession so special.

To learn more about Northwest, please visit northwestms.edu.

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Dr. Michael J. Heindl, Lisa Strong, Sandy Grisham, and Dr. Ginger Robbins on stage as Strong accepts the award from the Northwest administration.

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Northwest's President Dr. Michael J. Heindl (left), Sandy Grisham Excellence in Teaching Award recipient and Science Instructor Lisa Strong (second from left), alongside Sandy Grisham (second from right) and Northwest's Vice President of Instruction Dr. Ginger Robbins (right). Photo by Carly Fox

Northwest Mississippi Community College

Lisa Strong Chosen as Northwest's Sandy Grisham Excellence in Teaching Award Recipient

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Northwest Mississippi Community College

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