Commencement

A full-time faculty member at KCC since 2012, Dr. Cari Stevenson is being recognized for the transformative, student-centered work that shapes her teaching and mentorship. Stevenson also received KCC’s Outstanding Full-Time Faculty Award in 2014, making her the first person to receive this honor twice.

In her classroom, Stevenson emphasizes that education is a transformative process and that every student brings unique experiences and strengths. She incorporates service-learning, action-based activities, and participatory research to help students apply knowledge in meaningful, real-world ways. As a community psychologist, she takes a holistic approach to student success, supporting learners inside and outside the classroom while fostering critical thinking, empathy, and a deeper understanding of the human experience.

Stevenson also supports colleagues as a faculty development champion for KCC’s Teaching and Learning Center by sharing her knowledge and passion.

She has also received the Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues Teaching and Mentoring Excellence Award (2023).

Outstanding Faculty Award recipients

Each year, KCC gives the Outstanding Faculty Award to one full-time and one part-time faculty member. The award recognizes excellence in teaching, knowledge of their discipline, innovative teaching techniques as well as skills in motivation and encouragement. They are selected after being nominated by KCC students and staff.

The recipients receive an award medallion and framed certificate, as well as a spot on the KCC Wall of Honor. Previous Outstanding Faculty Award recipients wear a commemorative medallion at commencement ceremonies. The medallions are solid brass, and are embossed with “Kankakee Community College Est. 1966 – Outstanding Faculty Member.” The lamp of knowledge represents the quest for information or learning.

KCC faculty recipients are also nominated for the Illinois Community College Trustees Association Faculty Member Awards, which recognize the high achievements of Illinois' full- and part-time community college instructors.

Tishauna Thigpen has taught KCC’s Foundation for Student Success course as an adjunct faculty member for nearly two years. The course builds strong relationships with students. Thigpen is most proud of the connections she has made at KCC, the partnerships she has been part of on behalf of students, and her development as an instructor.

Thigpen focuses on helping students continuously expand their toolkit academically, professionally, and personally. She helps students connect what they learn to their goals, emphasizing how skills can be adapted to academics, careers, and everyday life. Recognizing that students learn in different ways, she prioritizes meeting students where they are and working alongside them to find new paths toward their goals.

In addition to teaching, Thigpen also serves as KCC’s assistant director of retention services.

“I thoroughly enjoy teaching,” Thigpen shared, “but I enjoy learning from our students just as much.”

Outstanding Faculty Award recipients

Each year, KCC gives the Outstanding Faculty Award to one full-time and one part-time faculty member. The award recognizes excellence in teaching, knowledge of their discipline, innovative teaching techniques as well as skills in motivation and encouragement. They are selected after being nominated by KCC students and staff.

The recipients receive an award medallion and framed certificate, as well as a spot on the KCC Wall of Honor. Previous Outstanding Faculty Award recipients wear a commemorative medallion at commencement ceremonies. The medallions are solid brass, and are embossed with “Kankakee Community College Est. 1966 – Outstanding Faculty Member.” The lamp of knowledge represents the quest for information or learning.

KCC faculty recipients are also nominated for the Illinois Community College Trustees Association Faculty Member Awards, which recognize the high achievements of Illinois' full- and part-time community college instructors.

John Keigher

Following a career defined by executive leadership, entrepreneurial success, and unwavering commitment to servant leadership, John Keigher has been named the 2026 John M. Fulton Distinguished Alumni Award recipient by the Kankakee Community College Foundation.

A graduate of Kankakee Community College with an Associate in Applied Science degree in Computer Information Systems, Keigher built an accomplished career spanning more than three decades across transportation, manufacturing, financial services, and consumer products. Widely respected for his strategic vision and results-driven leadership, he has helped organizations scale operations, accelerate growth, and create long-term enterprise value.

Keigher served as director and partner of Midwest Transit Equipment, Inc., helping build the company into a globally recognized transportation industry leader. Then, as CEO of Urban Farmer, Keigher guided the company through substantial growth and helped establish it as a nationally recognized leader in “better-for-you” food manufacturing. Keigher remains active as a fractional executive, strategic advisor, and consultant to emerging and growth-stage companies.

“Across every aspect of his career and service, John exemplifies the values of leadership, innovation, integrity, and lifelong commitment to education,” said Nancy Schunke, director of alumni engagement at KCC. “His impact on Kankakee County and the surrounding region has been significant and enduring, making him a truly deserving recipient of this honor.”

Keigher has also continually shown a deep commitment to community and workforce development. He currently serves in numerous leadership roles, including:

• Village trustee and finance chairman, Village of Roanoke, Illinois
• Board member and governance committee chair, KCC Foundation Board
• Board member, Midland Institute for Entrepreneurship
• Board chair, Kankakee County CEO Program; he helped establish in Kankakee County
• Founding board member, Heart of Illinois CEO
• Board member, Roanoke-Benson Hope Center

Previously, Keigher served as president of the Kankakee County Chamber of Commerce and was a longtime board member of United Way of Kankakee and Iroquois Counties. He served in many other civic and nonprofit leadership roles.

A passionate advocate for entrepreneurship and workforce readiness, Keigher has played a pivotal role in mentoring and developing future business leaders through the Kankakee County CEO Program, helping connect students with real-world business experiences, mentorship, and entrepreneurial opportunities.

“John’s impact extends far beyond his professional achievements,” said Dr. Kay Green, Chair of the KCC Foundation Board. “He leads with humility, invests deeply in others, and consistently uses his talents and resources to strengthen our community. His service to the Foundation and commitment to student success reflect the very best of what this award represents.”

John and his wife, Shanon, are proud supporters and donors to the KCC Foundation.

“John Keigher represents the very best of Kankakee Community College,” said Dr. Michael Boyd, President of Kankakee Community College. “From his beginnings as a student in our Computer Information Systems program to his success as a CEO, entrepreneur, and respected community leader, John has remained committed to lifting others and creating opportunity. His leadership has left a lasting mark on this region.”

John M. Fulton Distinguished Alumni Award

Established in 2009, the John M. Fulton Distinguished Alumni Award is named for long-time KCC Alumni Association member John Fulton of Herscher. Fulton is a 1981 graduate of KCC, and earned two associate degrees, in business and general studies.

As a decorated Vietnam War hero, a tireless advocate for veterans affairs, and for people with disabilities, a farmer, and friend, Fulton is a source of pride and inspiration for all of us at KCC.

Following Fulton's receipt of the KCC Foundation's Distinguished Alumni Award in 2009, the KCC Foundation Board voted unanimously to rename the recognition "The John M. Fulton Distinguished Alumni Award."

Recipients of the award must meet the following criteria:

• Outstanding success and distinction in chosen field
• Humanitarian service that has proven greatly beneficial to society
• Continued interest in/support of education and community colleges
• Overcoming life's obstacles
• Completion of a recognized program of instruction at Kankakee Community College