Leona Lilly: 2026 POY Finalist

Instructor and Program Coordinator, Basic Nursing Assistant (BNA) Program
Department Chair, Nursing

Video Link: https://morainevalley.hosted.panopto.com/Panopto/Pages/Viewer.aspx?id=8eed0c40-9b0a-4af9-bb94-b40f011d06ae

Ballot Information

I have been an instructor at Moraine Valley Community College for just under four years. In that time, I have achieved meaningful accomplishments that reflect my dedication to students, the program, and the college—and I remain committed to continuing this growth in the years ahead.

Teaching and Instructional Enhancement

  • Serve as lead instructor and Program Coordinator for the Basic Nursing Assistant (BNA) Program, supporting strong student outcomes across multiple delivery
  • Achieved exceptional first-time pass rates as of June 2025:
    • Main Campus: 87%
    • Blue Island: 100%
    • Hybrid: 100%
  • Manage all BNA course sections, supporting large student cohorts and ensuring program consistency and quality:
    • Summer 2025: 5 sections (120 students)
    • Fall 2025: 6 sections (144 students)
    • Spring 2026: 10 sections (240 students)
    • Summer 2026: 7 sections (168 students)
  • Designed and implemented a CNA Virtual Simulation experience to strengthen student confidence and skill mastery in basic nursing procedures.
  • Created and integrated Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia group presentations to deepen student understanding of specialized patient needs.
  • Developed the Safety Scavenger Hunt, now a required activity in all BNA sections, helping students identify emergency equipment, safety locations, and campus
  • Served as the first instructor to teach BNA at the Southwest Education Center (SWEC), helping establish and shape the program at the new site.
  • Designed the SWEC lecture and lab spaces to create an engaging, student-centered learning environment that supports hands-on skill development.
  • Successfully “aced” the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) State Visit in 2025, demonstrating full compliance with the Illinois Administrative Code and ensuring program quality and readiness.

Professional Growth

  • Appointed Department Chair, Nursing in March 2026, providing leadership for program development, faculty support, and student success initiatives.
  • Participate in dual-enrollment pathway discussions with public universities to support seamless RN-to-BSN transitions for students.
  • Attend the Certified Nursing Assistant Educator Association Conference annually to strengthen teaching practices, expand professional networks, and stay current with innovative and holistic instructional methods.
  • Preparing a 2027 conference presentation on streamlining CNA training to improve patient satisfaction and outcomes.
  • Maintain active clinical practice as a Cardiac Diagnostic Nurse at a local hospital, bringing current, real-world experience into the classroom and enhancing instructional relevance.
  • Engage in ongoing professional development to support instructional innovation, curriculum enhancement, and student engagement.

College / Community Service

  • Represent the Nursing and BNA programs at Advocate South Suburban Education Fairs and High School Vocational Career Fairs, promoting healthcare pathways and strengthening community partnerships.
  • Collaborate closely with the Dual Enrollment team, presenting information sessions for prospective students and families.
  • Serve on MVCC hiring committees for full-time BNAT faculty positions, contributing to the selection and onboarding of high-quality
  • Host the Annual BNA Affiliation Meetings to maintain strong relationships with clinical partners and ensure alignment with workforce needs.
  • Expanded the BNA program to the Southwest Education Center (SWEC), increasing access to healthcare education in the community and supporting institutional growth.

Other Fun Facts

  • One Heart Award Nominee (2026), nominated by an adjunct faculty member with over 10 years of service.
  • Featured on the front cover of the 2026 Moraine Valley Magazine for promoting the BNA program at SWEC.
  • Passionate about creating learning environments that are safe, engaging, and student-centered.
  • Known for building strong relationships with students, faculty, and community partners, and for bringing energy and innovation to every project.