Educators recognized for innovation and excellence in the classroom

Four Macomb educators were recently recognized with the prestigious National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) award.

The honor recognizes faculty who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to student success and educational excellence.

The 2025 honorees include Samantha Bowlin, John Chirco, Michael Chriss and Kristin Wylie. Each instructor brings a blend of professional experience, passion and innovation to the classroom. .

Shaping the future of criminal justice

With more than 26 years of teaching experience, Samantha Bowlin has dedicated her career to the next generation of criminal justice professionals.

Bowlin teaches criminal justice courses and serves at the Macomb Police Academy. She also coordinates the overall criminal justice program.

Her journey at Macomb began at the Police Academy, where she started as a part-time firearms instructor before making her transition to full-time faculty. In addition to teaching she has worked as a police sergeant in the field.

Bowlin holds an associate degree in law enforcement from Macomb, a bachelor’s in interdisciplinary technology and a master’s in public administration.

On winning the NISOD award, Bowlin expressed gratitude for the recognition from her colleagues at Macomb’s Public Service Institute.

“If you’re passionate about your field and you enjoy helping others, there’s no better place,” she said. “To all my past and future students – you are the reason I fell in love with teaching.”

Bridging industry and education

Since joining Macomb full-time in 2020, accounting professor John Chirco has transformed his classroom into a dynamic learning environment rooted in real-world application.

During his 14 years in accounting, Chirco has worked in several different industries including government, oil and gas, renewable energy and real estate. He decided to teach because he enjoys training and developing the next generation of business leaders.

“There is no better reward than former students visiting me (and) telling me about their promotions, passage of the CPA exam or obtaining an opportunity that they never thought possible prior to being enrolled at Macomb,” he said.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance and is currently pursuing a master’s in business administration. He’s also a certified public accountant.

“It’s been a unique experience being a professor by day and a student at night,” he said. “Some of my former students are now my classmates.”

Chirco’s teaching style blends current events with interactive learning. He also connects students with local employers, helping them secure internships and jobs.

Looking ahead, Chirco is helping to evolve Macomb’s curriculum to include AI, data analytics, Power BI and more.

“Macomb allows me to be innovative in the classroom, which leads to great outcomes for our students,” he said.

A full-circle journey in business

For Michael Chriss, Macomb has been both a launching pad and a place to give back. A 1978 graduate, Chriss returned in 2001 as an adjunct instructor in business administration, bringing decades of executive experience at DTE Energy into the classroom.

His leadership roles at DTE included assistant to the chairman, director of ethics and employee issues and director of Southeast Michigan gas operations.

Even in retirement, Chriss remains active in public service – he currently serves on the Almont Township Board of Trustees and several corporate and nonprofit boards.

Chriss holds a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering and master’s degree in management. He credits Macomb as the foundation of his success. “I chose to teach at Macomb as a way to give back to the institute that gave me my start,” he said.

As he plans to retire at the end of the fall 2025 semester, receiving the NISOD is especially meaningful.

“Being told at the end of your career that you did a good job is incredibly satisfying and deeply appreciated,” he said.

Biology professor Kristin Wylie earned the NISOD award as well.

Past winners include Gina Sweet, Robert Banta, Allen Dickenson, Robert Mele, and among many others.