News
AWC student wins national graphic design competition
June 5, 2026Austin, Texas. (June 5, 2026) – Arizona Western College student Saghey Barcenas has been selected as the winner of a national graphic design contest hosted by the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) and the University of Texas’ Center for Community College Student Engagement (CCCSE). The contest tasked students to digitally design a mural for NISOD’s annual conference.
“As a student, it feels incredibly beautiful and exciting to see my artwork recognized in such a big way,” Barcenas said. “My vision was to capture the real emotions of the student journey, from the first day of college to graduation. This achievement means the world to me, and I am deeply grateful to NISOD for this amazing experience, as well as to my family, my professors, and the team at Print Services for their support.”
To illustrate the conference theme, “Elevating Student Voices,” Barcenas used imagery of the past, present, and future to represent the evolution of a student’s journey. The design also incorporates symbolic references to Barcenas’ own education and her experience promoting student stories through KAWC’s “Siendo Primero” podcast, where she is both co-host and producer.
“By capturing the energy, connection, and hope that define student success, this design brings the conference theme to life,” said CCCSE Director Dr. Courtney Adkins, who presented the award. “Its dynamic imagery reflects students actively engaged with their learning and their futures, illustrating how meaningful engagement creates pathways to achievement.”
Barcena’s submission was selected out of dozens of entries nationwide. As part of the recognition, she received a $1,000 award and conference admission, travel, and lodging. In addition to being displayed as a 5-by-10-foot mural at the event, her design was utilized in promotional materials and printed as a coloring sheet for attendees.
“I first met Saghey in a language exchange class on campus,” shared Senior Graphic Designer Michael Rose. “When she realized I was a graphic designer, she showed me some of her work. I knew instantly that she possessed a lot of natural talent. I was lucky enough to be her teacher for GRA-106. She went above and beyond on every assignment. Since then, I have gotten to know her not only as a former student, but as a coworker and friend. She puts her whole heart into everything she does. I’m proud to have played a small part in her growth as a graphic designer and I look forward to seeing what the future holds for her.”
“Saghey is a student who doesn't wait to graduate to start doing real work,” said Marketing & Communications Creative Director Luis Landeros. “She's already working at the college in print services and creating design work on her personal time. In class, she always goes above and beyond on assignments. She has a strong eye for detail and can take something simple and make it look amazing. I'm really proud of her and I know she'll keep doing awesome work."
Barcenas’s design was unveiled at the NISOD Conference on May 23-26 in Austin, Texas.
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About the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development:
The National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) provides budget-friendly, high-quality, and faculty-focused programs and resources for community and technical colleges that want to make the most of their professional development dollars. The annual NISOD conference is the definitive gathering of community and technical college faculty, administrators, and staff seeking best practices designed to improve student achievement.
Contact:
Julia Howe
Director of Organizational Effectiveness & Development
Arizona Western College
julia.howe@azwestern.edu
(928) 317-6371