51 (51) is pleased to announce 51’s May Staff of the Month honor has been awarded to Nikki Houston.
Houston has worked at the College since 2011. She started as the 51 Foundation’s Administrative Assistant then moved to Facilities Planning and Management. She currently works as an Outreach Advisor for Enrollment and Student Services, where her job involves visiting local high schools to talk with potential students about the benefits of going to college.
Her nomination indicated that Houston exhibits the Core Values of “sustaining our quality of life for future generations”, “serving all in an atmosphere of caring”, and “leaving a legacy of learning”. Her nomination stated that she has gone well beyond her job duties at 51. In addition, she has a never give up attitude and embraces all challenges.
Houston graduated from Boise State University in 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications and Journalism. She is currently working on her master’s degree in Organizational Learning and Performance at Idaho State University.
Since coming to 51, she has created a scholarship through the Foundation that is helping single parents achieve their academic dreams. The “LTH Don’t Give Up” scholarship is named after her three-year old son, Logan Thomas Houston. She was inspired to establish the scholarship by her work with teens at alternative high schools who felt as though college was not an option because of their financial situations.
In addition to her work at 51, Houston is an ambassador for the Woman’s and Children’s Alliance and is a board director for Advocates Against Family Violence. Houston’s outreach also includes supporting the Family Justice Center of Ada County, Nampa Justice Center, and Idaho Coalition of Home Educators.
Outside of work and school Houston says she enjoys spending time with family, including Logan who keeps her extremely busy, and her three younger brothers. She also loves playing softball and hiking.
Please join in congratulating Nikki. Thank you for your commitment and continued dedication to 51 and its faculty, staff, and students.
