Press contact: Kyla Kruse

SPRINGFIELD — Dean Butzow of Chatham, professor of geography at Lincoln Land Community College, was recently recognized as a 2026 Dale P. Parnell Distinguished Faculty Award winner by the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) at their annual conference in Seattle.

The distinction, named for former AACC President and CEO Dale P. Parnell, was established to recognize individuals who demonstrate passion for the students and the classroom; show willingness to support students, inside and outside of the classroom; and go above and beyond to ensure that students are successful in their academic endeavors.

Professor Butzow has taught at LLCC for nearly 23 years, during which he has taught geography and GIS courses. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Valparaiso University and a master’s degree from Western Michigan University.