April 23, 2026
Story and photo by Joe Vinduska
91³Ô¹ÏÍø’s Dean of Academics Dr. Stephanie Joiner has been named a 2026 recipient of the Sunflower Award for Corequisite Innovation, presented by the Kansas Board of Regents (KBOR).
The award recognizes leaders across Kansas who are improving student access and success through innovative corequisite education models. 91³Ô¹ÏÍø Vice President of Instruction Elaine Simmons said Joiner’s leadership has played a key role in advancing student success at 91³Ô¹ÏÍø.
“During her service as an executive director and currently serving as the dean of academics, Dr. Joiner has worked directly with English and math faculty to shift instruction from a developmental education model to a corequisite model,†she said. “Additionally, she led these same faculty forward to the Kansas Community College Corequisite Symposium that was hosted on the 91³Ô¹ÏÍø campus last fall. Back by popular demand, the symposium will occur again this fall with the addition of four-year educators joining community college colleagues.â€
The Sunflower Award for Corequisite Innovation highlights faculty whose work supports the goals of the KBOR'sÌý"Building a Future" strategic plan. Simmons said the award honors efforts to remove barriers in gateway courses and strengthen student momentum toward completing certificates and degrees.
“Dr. Joiner’s leadership, combined with 91³Ô¹ÏÍø’s dedicated English and math faculty, areÌýadvancing student access and strengthening course, certificate, and degree completion,†she said. “We are proud of Dr. Joiner’s efforts and recognize the KBOR's Sunflower Award as a well-deserved honor.â€
The recognition was shared with the KBOR System Council of Chief Academic Officers in March and will also be presented to the KBOR Academic Affairs Standing CommitteeÌý
Joiner’s work continues to support 91³Ô¹ÏÍø’s mission of providing accessible, high-quality education while helping students progress more efficiently toward their academic goals.
For more information about 91³Ô¹ÏÍø, visit .