JALC Names Rebecca Corbit the 2026 Outstanding Faculty Member
Published on May 14, 2026
At John A. Logan College, Rebecca Corbit’s journey from first-generation college student to award-winning educator has come full circle.
Corbit, chair of the Life and Physical Science Department, has been named the College’s 2026 Outstanding Faculty Member, an honor awarded by her peers in recognition of her dedication to students, passion for STEM education, and commitment to the mission of community colleges.
For Corbit, the recognition is deeply personal.
A first-generation college student herself, Corbit began her higher education journey at Shawnee Community College, where she attended on both academic and athletic scholarships. She later pursued her passion for science at Southern Illinois University, earning both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree.
What she believed would be a short-term teaching opportunity ultimately became a lifelong career.
A phone call from her former volleyball coach at Shawnee, asking if she would be interested in teaching as a summer adjunct instructor, changed everything.
Twenty-two years later, Corbit has become one of the most respected faculty members at John A. Logan College, where she has served for the past eight years.
“The College has really supported me, and my colleagues have been fantastic,” Corbit said. “Everyone from the administration has been so supportive; it has been a great place to work.”
Corbit said one example of that support has been the addition of new classrooms and tutoring spaces that opened this past fall.
“It has been great that we have been able to offer services that have been here, but were a little bit tucked away,” she said. “Now it is much more visible, allowing us to serve our students better.”
Her own experience as a community college student continues to shape the way she approaches teaching and mentoring.
“I love being able to get to know my students, and I think that is unique to community colleges that I am able to hear their stories,” Corbit said. “I feel like on day one that I always want to be there for them, and I think they learn really quickly that it is not just words and that I do care for them.”
That compassion has left a lasting impact on generations of students and remains one of the defining themes of her career.
“One of the things that makes me the proudest is that year after year there is a recurring theme in my evaluations that I care,” Corbit said. “I hope I go my whole career hearing those things.”
Colleagues said Corbit’s passion for student success and her tireless advocacy for science education throughout Southern Illinois made her a natural choice for the honor.
“We are incredibly proud to recognize Rebecca Corbit as the Outstanding Faculty of the Year. Rebecca is the kind of educator every student hopes for—passionate, engaging, and deeply committed to their success. She brings both deep knowledge and an infectious enthusiasm to every classroom, helping students see their potential and believe in what they can achieve,” said Provost Dr. Stephanie Chaney Hartford. “Beyond the classroom, Rebecca’s leadership—especially her work with our STEM Day—has created meaningful opportunities for students across our region. She inspires not only her students, but all of us, and truly reflects the heart and excellence of John A. Logan College.”
Hartford added that in addition to leading the Life and Physical Science Department, Corbit has played a key role in strengthening STEM opportunities for students while fostering a supportive learning environment both inside and outside the classroom.
For Corbit, however, the recognition from her fellow faculty members may be the most meaningful part of the award.
“It is so special to be recognized by my colleagues as a whole and not just my department because so many people are deserving of this award,” she said.
As she reflects on the path that led her from community college student to educator, Corbit said she remains grateful for the opportunities she was given and hopes to provide the same encouragement and support to her students.
Her story, colleagues say, is a powerful reminder of the transformative impact community colleges can have — not only on students, but on the communities they go on to serve.