Olds College of Agriculture & Technology is proud to announce its recipient of the annual National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) Excellence Awards — Dr. Ken Fry, Entomology Instructor, School of Life Science & Business.
NISOD’s Excellence Awards recognize people each year who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment and contribution to their students and colleagues. In 1989, in connection with a University of Texas at Austin national study of teaching excellence, NISOD hosted its first ceremony honouring NISOD Excellence Award recipients. The response to that ceremony was so positive that NISOD began what has become the largest and most inspiring gathering that recognizes the contributions and achievements of community and technical college faculty, administrators and staff.
"Thank you to all for this recognition,” said Dr. Ken Fry. “I am inspired by the accomplishments of my colleagues. Their work serves to inform and inspire my performance in the classroom, in academic administration and in service to industry. Olds College, its culture, students, faculty and staff serve as an incubator for innovation and exploration. With an ingredient mix such as this, it is a pleasure to work with our students to achieve our best."
Fry has been involved in insect pest management research, teaching and extension for over 30 years. His research is focused on biological control of insect pests and integrated pest management. Fry’s “happy place” is in the Insect Collection where he serves as curator for 100,000 specimens.
“On behalf of Olds College of Agriculture & Technology, I am absolutely delighted to congratulate Dr. Ken Fry on receiving the well-deserved honour of the NISOD Excellence Award,” said Dr. Debbie Thompson, President and CEO, Olds College. “Ken’s passion for teaching, his innovative approach to learning and his unwavering commitment to student success have left a lasting impact on our students, our programs and our institution. His ability to inspire curiosity from all his students and foster meaningful, applied learning experiences truly embodies the spirit of excellence this award represents. We are incredibly proud to celebrate this achievement and grateful for the dedication Ken brings to our College community every day.”
The Olds College Faculty Association (OCFA) brings forward the NISOD Excellence Award nominations and is responsible for choosing the recipient each year.
OCFA sets aside Faculty Professional Development Funds each year to cover the cost for the recipient to attend the NISOD Conference, which is being held in May 2026 in Austin, Texas.
“Dr. Ken Fry is a long overdue recipient of this particular award,” said Peter Johnston-Berresford, OCFA President. “His over two decades of commitment and dedication, both as a lecturer and as a researcher, have served his students, his colleagues and Olds College in an exemplary manner. People of Dr. Fry's calibre don't come along very often and he really is one-of-a-kind. Dr. Fry's success is for all of us to share.”
Excellence Awards recipients receive a specially cast, pewter medallion hung on a burnt-orange ribbon that they can wear proudly at campus events such as graduation ceremonies. In addition, they are listed in the NISOD Excellence Awards Booklet as well as on NISOD’s website.
“Sharing in the recognition of so many individuals recognized by their colleges for doing extraordinary work is something the entire NISOD Team looks forward to each year,” said Sheryl Powell, NISOD’s Interim Executive Director. “We’re honoured to be able to play a part in celebrating their achievements.”
Dr. Ken Fry has been involved in insect pest management research, teaching, and extension for over 30 years. His research is focused on biological control of insect pests and integrated pest management.