Chuck Hoyack, dean of the Douglas Campus of Cochise College, was recognized for his contributions to campus diversity during a Martin Luther King Day event in Mesa.

Hoyack was among a number of community college employees and community members honored during the inaugural JUCO/MLK Basketball Classic at Mesa Community College January 19.

Honorees were nominated by the institutions in their local communities.

An employee of Cochise College since 1985, Hoyack served as a coach, instructor, and division chair before becoming dean of the Douglas Campus.

He was nominated by colleagues as a Chair Academy Exemplary Leader for his ability to promote an atmosphere of integrity, honesty, and acceptance, as well as professionalism that encourages open communication, advocacy for the Douglas Campus and the Douglas community, selfless work habits, and a “students-first” attitude.

Hoyack works closely with program development and has played an integral part in the formation of the Summer Math Academy to help middle school students improve their math skills before starting high school.

He is involved in the promotion and growth of several instructional programs and helped secure grant funding to promote enrollment of underrepresented individuals in the nursing program.

He also was involved in the creation of an appreciative inquiry program in which faculty, administrators and students work in a collaborative framework to build an inclusive, enhanced learning environment.

This semester, Hoyack is collaborating with faculty to raise awareness of the ongoing struggle of African Americans, Hispanics, and other minorities for equality in all aspects of society.

The group has developed an honors-level MLK Project course in which students will research, prepare, and deliver presentations focusing on Martin Luther King in local elementary schools.

Hoyack also was the driving force behind Viva Cochise, a week of activities celebrating campus diversity that included cultural celebrations, workshops and the signing of a collaborative agreement with several Mexican technological institutions.

He attended the Intercultural Communications Institute’s summer conference and leads the ethics and law enforcement portions of a team-taught course in international communications.

A cancer survivor, Hoyack plays a significant role in local Relay for Life events supporting the American Cancer Society.

The Douglas Chamber of Commerce named him Man of the Year in 2005.

Currently, he is president of the school board for the Douglas Unified School District.