Bay College is proud to recognize three exceptional faculty members as recipients of the 2026 Outstanding Educator Award. This prestigious honor celebrates educators who exemplify excellence in teaching, student support, and service to the College community. The award begins with nominations from those who experience their impact firsthand, students, colleagues, and community members, and recognizes individuals who consistently inspire learning, foster meaningful connections, and demonstrate an unwavering commitment to student success. This year's recipients represent the very best of Bay College's mission, making a profound difference in the lives of students through their dedication, compassion, and educational excellence.
Amber Kinonen is a dedicated educator, mentor, and campus leader, and has been a valued member of the Bay College community since 2008, when she joined the College as a transitional reading instructor. A graduate of Northern Michigan University, she holds degrees in English, secondary education, and pedagogy, and has since taught a wide range of English courses while serving in numerous leadership roles, including division chair, college readiness coordinator, and full-time faculty union president.
Throughout her career, Amber Kinonen has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to student success, particularly in supporting dual-enrolled students as they transition into college-level coursework. Her dedication to teaching, advising, and mentorship has made a lasting impact on countless students. One nomination noted that Kinonen “has a meaningful and lasting impact on students by helping them successfully navigate both academic and personal challenges. Through intentional advising and mentorship, she empowers students to identify resources that support their success and persistence. Students benefit from her ability to connect them with services, reduce barriers, and build confidence.” This marks the third time Kinonen has received the Outstanding Educator Award, further highlighting the profound influence she continues to have on students, colleagues, and the Bay College community.
Nanci Love has served as a member of the Arts & Letters Division since 1992 and has spent more than three decades inspiring students through her passion for literature, writing, theater, and film. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan, including a semester of study at University College in Oxford, England, and later completed her master's degree in English at Eastern Michigan University. Throughout her tenure at Bay College, she has taught a diverse range of courses while fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity in her students.
Love's contributions extend far beyond the classroom. She has chaired numerous college committees, participated in countless faculty and staff hiring processes, and frequently shares her expertise with community organizations through presentations on the arts and women's issues. In addition, she leads the Bay Film Series, serves as co-chair of the Advising Committee, and has held leadership roles within the Michigan Education Association, demonstrating a deep commitment to education at both the local and state levels. This marks the second time Love has been honored as an Outstanding Educator, a reflection of the meaningful and lasting impact she continues to have on students and colleagues. One student nominator shared, “Ms. Love is many things that are of great excellence. Over the course of taking her classes, she has both helped me in person and as an online student. She has given up much of her time to making sure that I and many other students get the help that we need to succeed. She is the best English teacher I have ever had.”
Dr. Renee Strom has more than 20 years of experience teaching communication at the collegiate level and now in her eighth year at Bay College, Dr. Strom has built a reputation for creating engaging learning environments where students feel supported, challenged, and empowered to succeed. Throughout her career, she has taught a broad range of communication courses, from introductory classes to graduate-level instruction, consistently demonstrating a commitment to excellence in teaching and student engagement.
Dr. Strom is passionate about Bay College's mission and values, particularly its commitment to student success. Her dedication to students is evident both inside and outside the classroom, where she is known for her accessibility, encouragement, and willingness to go above and beyond to help students achieve their goals. One student nominator shared, “Dr. Strom has gone far above and beyond in teaching at Bay. She is always available to talk to or ask questions and ensures that her students understand what she is saying before they leave class for the day.” Outside of her professional responsibilities, Dr. Strom enjoys spending time with her husband, Thad, and their children, Henry and Emma. She considers it especially meaningful to have had the opportunity to teach both of her children during their time at Bay College. Through her dedication to student learning and success, Dr. Strom continues to make a lasting impact on the Bay College community.
Bay College congratulates Amber Kinonen, Nanci Love, and Dr. Renee Strom on this well-deserved recognition. Through their commitment to excellence in teaching, mentorship, and service, these outstanding educators exemplify the College's mission of transforming lives through education. Their passion for student success, both inside and outside the classroom, continues to strengthen the Bay College community and inspire future generations of learners. Bay College is proud to celebrate their achievements and the lasting impact they have made on students, colleagues, and the communities they serve.
About Bay College
Bay College is the community’s college with a mission of: Student Success, Community Success, and Culture of Success. Bay is devoted to each individual’s achievement in the classroom, on-campus, online, in the community and into the workforce by providing career certificates, associate degrees, transferable university credits, industry certifications, trainings, and professional development programs which develop skillsets, enrich individuals, and advance careers. #BayIsTheWay