April 23rd, 2026 Local News
Park Hills, Mo. (KFMO) - Mineral Area College has announced that History and Political Science Instructor Rodney Wilson has been named a recipient of the 2026 American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) Dale P. Parnell Distinguished Faculty Award.
The national award honors community college faculty who demonstrate excellence in teaching, passion for student success, and a commitment that goes beyond the classroom.
MAC President Dr. Joe Gilgour praised Wilson’s contributions, highlighting his dedication to education, mentorship, and inclusion.
Wilson has been instrumental in preserving the history of Mineral Area College. He co-founded the MAC Museum for College and Community History and developed a multi-part presentation series titled “Mineral Area College: History, Land and Cemeteries.” Serving as the college’s archivist and historian, he continues working to document and share the institution’s story with students and the community.
His influence reaches well beyond the campus. In 1994, while teaching at Mehlville High School, Wilson became the first openly gay teacher in Missouri after coming out to his students. That same year, he founded National LGBTQ+ History Month, which is now observed in multiple countries around the world.
Wilson began his career in education in 1990 as a high school social studies teacher. After graduating from Mineral Area College and Southeast Missouri State University, he later earned graduate degrees in history and religion. During his time in Massachusetts, he worked in adult education, taught English to Spanish-speaking students, and served as an educator in a correctional facility.
Since returning to Missouri 15 years ago, Wilson has continued his work at Mineral Area College, where he now serves as coordinator of the History and Political Science Department.
The Dale P. Parnell Distinguished Faculty Award is named after a former leader of the American Association of Community Colleges and honors educators who reflect his legacy of dedication to student success and the mission of community colleges.