South Central Illinois Area Health Education Center (AHEC) is proud to announce that Rhonda Mott, R.T. (R) (M) (CT), Lead Radiologic Technologist at Memorial Hospital, has been named the 2026 South Central Illinois AHEC Healthcare Mentor of the Year.
The Healthcare Mentor of the Year Award recognizes healthcare professionals who go above and beyond in mentoring and teaching students in clinical settings. As one of nine AHEC regions across Illinois, South Central Illinois AHEC presents this award annually to honor individuals who make a meaningful impact on student learning, professional development, and workforce readiness.
Mott was selected for her decades-long commitment to healthcare education and her unwavering dedication to students completing clinical rotations at Memorial Hospital. For approximately 35 years, she has served as a clinical preceptor, helping students gain the knowledge, confidence, and hands-on experience needed to succeed in healthcare careers. As one of Southwestern Illinois College’s longest-serving clinical preceptors and a member of the college’s Advisory Committee for more than 25 years, she has helped prepare nearly 100 students for careers in diagnostic imaging.
Her passion for mentoring stems from a commitment she made early in her own career.
“When I was a student in 1986, the facility where I completed my clinical training was not very student-friendly,” said Mott. “I promised myself then that I would never treat a student the way I was treated. Students are investing in their education, and they are here to learn. It is our responsibility to provide them with as much training, knowledge, and patient-care experience as possible during their time with us.”
Throughout her career, Mott has created a welcoming and supportive learning environment where students are encouraged to ask questions, think critically, and become active members of the healthcare team.
“Each new student brings a new perspective and a new opportunity to teach,” said Mott. “Our goal is to prepare them for successful careers in diagnostic imaging and healthcare. One of the greatest compliments we receive is when first-year students ask to return for their second year because of the experience they had here.”
The award was presented during a special celebration attended by Mott’s family members, Memorial Hospital leadership and administration, colleagues from the radiology department, and a healthcare student. The strong turnout reflected the profound impact Mott has had on countless individuals throughout her career.
“One of the most meaningful parts of the celebration was seeing the number of people who came together to support Rhonda,” said Gloria Przygoda, Director of South Central Illinois AHEC. “The admiration from her family, colleagues, leadership team, and students was a testament to the positive influence she has had throughout her career. Rhonda has helped shape the futures of so many healthcare professionals, and her dedication to mentoring has strengthened both the healthcare workforce and the communities we serve.”
Mott’s influence extends far beyond individual student success. Many healthcare professionals serving communities throughout Southern Illinois today began their careers under her guidance. By helping students build confidence, competence, and a passion for patient care, she has played a significant role in strengthening the healthcare workforce across the region.
“Creating and helping shape successful technologists is always rewarding,” Mott said. “Seeing former students build successful careers and knowing we helped mentor them along the way is one of the most fulfilling aspects of my profession.”
South Central Illinois AHEC congratulates Rhonda Mott on this well-deserved recognition and thanks her for her outstanding contributions to healthcare education, mentorship, and workforce development throughout Southern Illinois.
Cover Photo Caption: Pictured left to right are Autumn Gulley, South Central Illinois AHEC Student Intern; Rhonda Mott, R.T. (R) (M) (CT), 2026 South Central Illinois AHEC Healthcare Mentor of the Year; Gloria Przygoda, South Central Illinois AHEC Director; and Andria Zweigart, Director of Diagnostic Imaging and Health Information Management at Memorial Hospital.
