NISOD honorees reflect on their impact at Macomb
Friday, July 17, 2026 12:00 AM
Highlights of this blog
- Six Macomb faculty members received NISOD awards for their commitment to student success.
- In the second of three blogs, honorees Elizabeth Bosilkovski and Erin Fortuna share their experiences at Macomb and the impact of their work.
Six Macomb faculty members recently received the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) awards. NISOD celebrates individuals who demonstrate exceptional commitment to their students and colleagues, enhancing the overall educational experience.
The honorees are Delena Austin, Monique Beauchamp-Doll, Elizabeth Bosilkovski, Erin Fortuna, Abbey Jacobsen and Shaun Sarcona.
In this three-part series, two of the six honorees, Bosilkovski and Fortuna, discuss what their time at Macomb means to them, how they feel about taking home the NISOD, and more.
Elizabeth Bosilkovski
In a profession where speed, precision and persistence are essential, Elizabeth Bosilkovski is helping students succeed through Macomb’s court reporting program.
Bosilkovski, who has taught at Macomb for more than 10 years, oversees the program, which trains students in shorthand writing for careers in the judicial system.
Before joining the college, Bosilkovski worked as a court reporter, bringing real-world experience into the classroom. She said one of the most rewarding moments of her career came when a graduate called to share news of landing a first freelance reporting job.
“Seeing the exact moment a student realizes their hard work has officially paid off is the most rewarding part of this job,” she said.
Bosilkovski credits her success to supporting students through what she describes as a demanding educational journey. She motivates students by offering encouragement, sharing industry insights and helping them celebrate small milestones as they work toward mastering a complex skill.
“Be patient with yourself, trust the process, put in the daily practice and remember that the hardest things to achieve are usually the things most worth having,” she said.
Outside of teaching, Bosilkovski enjoys spending time with her sons, traveling and enjoying the outdoors.
The honorees are Delena Austin, Monique Beauchamp-Doll, Elizabeth Bosilkovski, Erin Fortuna, Abbey Jacobsen and Shaun Sarcona.
In this three-part series, two of the six honorees, Bosilkovski and Fortuna, discuss what their time at Macomb means to them, how they feel about taking home the NISOD, and more.
Elizabeth Bosilkovski
In a profession where speed, precision and persistence are essential, Elizabeth Bosilkovski is helping students succeed through Macomb’s court reporting program.
Bosilkovski, who has taught at Macomb for more than 10 years, oversees the program, which trains students in shorthand writing for careers in the judicial system.
Before joining the college, Bosilkovski worked as a court reporter, bringing real-world experience into the classroom. She said one of the most rewarding moments of her career came when a graduate called to share news of landing a first freelance reporting job.
“Seeing the exact moment a student realizes their hard work has officially paid off is the most rewarding part of this job,” she said.
Bosilkovski credits her success to supporting students through what she describes as a demanding educational journey. She motivates students by offering encouragement, sharing industry insights and helping them celebrate small milestones as they work toward mastering a complex skill.
“Be patient with yourself, trust the process, put in the daily practice and remember that the hardest things to achieve are usually the things most worth having,” she said.
Outside of teaching, Bosilkovski enjoys spending time with her sons, traveling and enjoying the outdoors.
Erin Fortuna
Years before she became a career and academic counselor at Macomb, Erin Fortuna was a student searching for answers. Today, in what she calls a full-circle moment, Fortuna, a career and academic advisor at Macomb, guides others and helps them find confidence.
“As an undecided, first-generation college student, I had very little guidance finding my path outside of the counselors and advisors at Macomb and Oakland University (OU),” she said. “But when I stumbled into the world of career development by taking a class at OU during my undergrad, I fell in love with it.”
Fortuna, who has worked at Macomb since 2001, teaches LIFE 1010: Career Development and Decision Making as an adjunct instructor, along with her role in counseling and academic advising. It’s her time in the classroom that led to the NISOD award, and she’s proud to have guided so many students toward successful careers.
“To me, it means that my dedication to the students that I serve is recognized by my colleagues,” she said.
In both the classroom and counseling office, Fortuna encourages students to look inward when setting education and career goals. She believes understanding one’s personality, values, interests and skills are essential to finding motivation and making meaningful decisions.
One of the most rewarding aspects of her work has been maintaining relationships with former students and witnessing their growth after they leave Macomb.
“I have been fortunate enough to be able to keep in touch with many of my students. It has been incredible to watch them (achieve) their goals,” she said.
Her passion for helping others extends beyond academic achievement. She is inspired by students who persevere through obstacles and remain committed to their goals.
“Whether it is getting through a rough class or earning their first certificate or degree, I’m inspired by the grit of individuals who set their minds to something,” she said.
Outside of work, Fortuna enjoys spending time with family and traveling.
Learn more about our Court Reporting program on the Court Reporting program webpage. For information on counseling and academic advising at Macomb, visit the department webpage.
Years before she became a career and academic counselor at Macomb, Erin Fortuna was a student searching for answers. Today, in what she calls a full-circle moment, Fortuna, a career and academic advisor at Macomb, guides others and helps them find confidence.
“As an undecided, first-generation college student, I had very little guidance finding my path outside of the counselors and advisors at Macomb and Oakland University (OU),” she said. “But when I stumbled into the world of career development by taking a class at OU during my undergrad, I fell in love with it.”
Fortuna, who has worked at Macomb since 2001, teaches LIFE 1010: Career Development and Decision Making as an adjunct instructor, along with her role in counseling and academic advising. It’s her time in the classroom that led to the NISOD award, and she’s proud to have guided so many students toward successful careers.
“To me, it means that my dedication to the students that I serve is recognized by my colleagues,” she said.
In both the classroom and counseling office, Fortuna encourages students to look inward when setting education and career goals. She believes understanding one’s personality, values, interests and skills are essential to finding motivation and making meaningful decisions.
One of the most rewarding aspects of her work has been maintaining relationships with former students and witnessing their growth after they leave Macomb.
“I have been fortunate enough to be able to keep in touch with many of my students. It has been incredible to watch them (achieve) their goals,” she said.
Her passion for helping others extends beyond academic achievement. She is inspired by students who persevere through obstacles and remain committed to their goals.
“Whether it is getting through a rough class or earning their first certificate or degree, I’m inspired by the grit of individuals who set their minds to something,” she said.
Outside of work, Fortuna enjoys spending time with family and traveling.
Learn more about our Court Reporting program on the Court Reporting program webpage. For information on counseling and academic advising at Macomb, visit the department webpage.