Michael Splane, public relations director for the Maine Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, presents Maine College of Health Professions President Monika Bissell with the Patriot Award.

LEWISTON — Dr. Monika Bissell, president of the Maine College of Health Professions, was recently awarded the Patriot Award from the Maine Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, an office of the Department of Defense.

Bissell received the award in recognition of extraordinary support of employees serving in the Guard and Reserve, according to a news release from the Maine College of Health Professions. The award reflects the efforts made to support citizen warriors through a wide range of measures, including flexible schedules, time off prior to and after deployment, caring for families and granting leaves of absence if needed.

Bissell was nominated for the award by Dr. Alexander Clifford of the Maine Army National Guard, 120th Regional Support Group.

“President Bissell and her faculty and staff at Maine College of Health Professions have consistently, willingly, and with a sense of American patriotism supported not only my military service, but also the military service of the dozens of National Guard and Reserve soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines who become students,” Clifford said in nominating her. “It is humbling to feel such great support from those you work with daily.”