MOHAVE COUNTY – Mohave College congratulates Kevin Kanorr, respiratory care practitioner faculty, for being selected as a 2026 recipient of the Ellen Licari Service to Student Award. He is one of two employees to receive the award this year.
Kanorr has been with the College for less than a year, but he has already made an impact on students. He joined Mohave to use his professional experience in the field to help prepare the next generation of respiratory therapists.
The award recognizes employees who go above and beyond to put students first. It was established in honor of Ellen Licari, a former college adviser dedicated to helping students succeed. Licari died in 2011, and the award is presented annually to a Mohave College employee who exemplifies her commitment to student support.
“Winning this award is huge for me because student success is at the center of why I became an educator. I want students to know that they matter, that their goals are possible, and that they have someone in their corner who truly believes in them,” Kanorr said. “Being selected for this award tells me that the effort, care and dedication I put into my students is making a difference, and that means more to me than words can fully express.”
Kanorr earned an Associate of Occupational Science in respiratory therapy from American Career College. He has worked in the field for eight years, including during the COVID-19 pandemic.
As a faculty member, Kanorr said he values the opportunity to make a positive impact on students, families and the community. He enjoys seeing students grow into confident, capable and compassionate future respiratory therapists. As an educator, he works to help students recognize their potential and continue moving forward.
Kanorr was nominated by two students who praised his commitment to going above and beyond, serving as a mentor and helping students prepare for the workforce.
“He may be a new addition to the Mohave College faculty, but he has already proven himself to be an indispensable asset to the student body. He consistently goes above and beyond, acting not only as an instructor but also as a counselor and mediator,” the students wrote. “He frequently sacrifices his personal and family time to ensure we fully grasp the course content, making himself available by phone whenever guidance is needed.”
Outside the classroom, Kanorr enjoys spending time with his family and watching the Los Angeles Kings.
Kanorr will be honored during employee convocation in the fall. For the first time, two employees were selected for the award. The other recipient is Jay Wange, mathematics faculty.
For more information about the Respiratory Care Practitioner program, visit Mohave.edu/Respiratory. Registration for the fall semester is open, and students are encouraged to sign up before classes fill up. Create a student account at FutureBighorn.com.
The Mohave College mathematics faculty was also recognized.
Mohave College congratulates Jay Wange, mathematics faculty, for being selected as a 2026 recipient of the Ellen Licari Service to Students Award. He is one of two employees to receive the award this year.
Featured photo: Jay Wange, mathematics faculty, was selected as one of two employees to receive the Ellen Licari Service to Students Award.
Wange has been teaching Mohave College students for three years. He joined the College as a mathematics faculty member after more than three decades of teaching middle and high school students, bringing with him a passion for helping students build confidence in math.
The award recognizes employees who go above and beyond to put students first. It was established in honor of Ellen Licari, a former college adviser dedicated to helping students succeed. Licari died in 2011, and the award is presented annually to a Mohave College employee who exemplifies her commitment to student support.
“I’m completely honored to be the recipient of the Ellen Licari award. I honestly and truly love my job, and to me this award tells me that my passion is transparent for my students. I can’t thank everyone involved enough for making this possible,” Wange said.
Wange earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary math education from Concordia College. He continued his education and earned a master’s degree in curriculum assessment and instruction from Walden University. Before coming to Mohave College, he taught math at the middle and high school levels for 31 years.
As a faculty member, Wange said he enjoys exchanging ideas with colleagues on how to teach course material in ways that help students learn. He is thankful for the opportunity to educate students at Mohave College and hopes the students he teaches are passionate about the careers they choose to pursue.
Wange was nominated by two students who praised the encouragement he provides, his ability to help students feel like they belong and the fun learning environment he creates.
“Mr. Wange made a meaningful difference in my journey by believing in me and in the entire class. He offered daily encouragement that kept us moving forward and thinking outside the box,” one student wrote. “He was always prepared, created an engaging environment, and guided us step by step. He made sure no one faced challenges alone. His impact extends beyond the classroom, and I’m deeply grateful to have learned from him.”
Wange will be honored during employee convocation in the fall. For the first time, two employees were selected for the award. The other recipient is Kevin Kanorr, respiratory care practitioner faculty.
For more information about the mathematics degree program, visit Mohave.edu/Mathematics. Registration for the fall semester is now open, so students are encouraged to sign up before classes fill up. First step is to create a student account at FutureBighorn.com.
Anyone looking for more information about the enrollment process can contact the Admissions team at Mohave.edu/Admission. The fall 2026 semester begins August 17.
