Two Flathead Valley Community College educators for their work in higher education.  

Eliza Sorte-Thomas, associate professor of education, and Katie Clarke, assistant professor of communications, have been named 2024-2025 League Excellence Award recipients. The award, presented by the League for Innovation in the Community College, recognizes faculty, staff and administrators who demonstrate outstanding teaching, leadership and service. 

Sorte-Thomas leads FVCC’s Early Childhood Education classes, while Clarke spearheads topics like interpersonal communications and public speaking. Together, they co-chair the Teaching and Learning Center on campus designed to support all faculty in teaching and learning techniques.  

The two are the only award recipients from Montana, making FVCC the sole Montana institution represented on this year’s list.  

"Eliza and Katie’s dedication to student success and innovative approaches to education make them invaluable members of the FVCC community," said Bryan Brophy-Baermann, vice president of Academic and Student Affairs. "This national recognition is a testament to their passion and commitment to empowering students and faculty to achieve their goals." 

The League Excellence Award honors exceptional individuals at League for Innovation Board and Alliance member institutions. Find more information about the award and the entire list of this year’s recipients at league.org/awards.