CSI Student Announced as one of NISOD’s 2026 Scott Wright Student Essay Contest Winners

Monday 2026-04-27

TWIN FALLS, ID – The National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) announced the winners of its annual Scott Wright Student Essay Contest. One of the three students selected for this national recognition was Alexis Vergara from the College of Southern Idaho (CSI) for his essay submission.

Each year, students at NISOD member colleges are invited to describe in a 500-word essay (or less) a faculty member, staff member, or administrator who encouraged them during their academic journey and how that encouragement helped them reach their goal(s). In his essay, Alexis reflects on how CSI Mini-Cassia Off-Campus Center Coordinator, John Paskett, provided encouragement and support that helped him succeed academically.  

The winning students and those they honor in their essays are invited to NISOD's International Conference on Teaching and Leadership Excellence that traditionally follows the end of the spring term. At the conference, the students are recognized onstage and invited to read their winning submission at a celebration dinner. The students and the subjects of their essays are also each eligible for a thousand-dollar award, which may be donated to an organization of their choice.

This year's contest, named for journalist Scott W. Wright, drew over 160 entries. For more information about NISOD's Student Essay Contest, visit www.nisod.org/sec.