RVC Faculty Mark Career Milestone

RVC Faculty Mark Career Milestone

• faculty
• 04/01/2026

Rock Valley College is proud to announce the awarding of tenure to four faculty members whose dedication to teaching, service, and student success has made a lasting impact on the institution. Matthew Cole, Samantha Flygare, Johnathan Cole Regnery, and Anthony Schiassi have each demonstrated excellence in their fields while helping to prepare students for meaningful careers.

Matthew Cole, an Automotive Service Technology instructor, brings both experience and a full-circle story to his role. A graduate of Rock Valley College's own Automotive Service Technology program, Cole spent 13 years at Anderson Dodge Chrysler Jeep, where he built extensive expertise in automotive diagnostics and repair. He returned to RVC in 2019 as an adjunct instructor before joining the faculty full-time. An ASE Master Technician, Cole emphasizes hands-on instruction and real-world diagnostic strategies, ensuring students are prepared for the evolving demands of the automotive industry. In addition to teaching, he operates M. Cole LLC Automotive Programming, providing advanced vehicle diagnostics and module programming services.

Samantha Flygare, a registered respiratory therapist, brings 15 years of healthcare experience into the classroom. Throughout her career, she has been driven by a passion for patient care and education, helping both patients and students better understand respiratory diseases and improve outcomes. Flygare holds a bachelor's degree in respiratory care along with a neonatal/pediatric specialty credential from the National Board for Respiratory Care. Inspired early in her career by a mentor in her respiratory program, she pursued teaching to encourage and support the next generation of respiratory professionals. Her work reflects a deep commitment to both student learning and advancing the field.

Professor Johnathan Cole Regnery has distinguished himself as a dedicated educator and active member of both the college and the broader community. A member of the Illinois Mathematics Association of Community Colleges and the American Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges, Regnery was selected to participate in AMATYC's Project ACCCESS and recently presented at the organization's national conference in Reno, Nevada. At Rock Valley College, he has contributed through service on the Dual Credit Committee and by supporting student engagement through events such as the college's Math Competition and Science Olympiad. Beyond campus, Regnery serves as an elected member of the Sycamore Community Unit School District 427 Board of Education, chairs its Business Services Committee, and is actively involved in several community organizations, including the Rotaract Club of Sycamore and the Sycamore Pumpkin Festival. He also serves on Northern Illinois University's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Dean's Advisory Council.

Anthony Schiassi, Associate Professor of Aviation Maintenance, brings more than 25 years of experience in the airline industry to his teaching. After earning his Airframe and Powerplant certification from Lewis University in 1992, Schiassi began his career working with aviation maintenance organizations at DuPage Airport. He later joined United Feeder Services, operating as United Express, before continuing his career with Simmons Airlines, now known as Envoy Air, where he developed a reputation for technical excellence and leadership. In the mid-2010s, he was elected Vice President of Transport Workers Union Local 572, where he advocated for improved pay, working conditions, and employee rights. Following his retirement from the airline industry in 2023, Schiassi transitioned to full-time teaching, where he now shares his extensive industry knowledge with students preparing for careers in aviation maintenance.

Tenure is awarded following a rigorous evaluation process that recognizes faculty for their effectiveness in teaching, their engagement in professional development, and their service to the college and community. It represents both a significant professional achievement and a continued commitment to excellence and student success.

"Earning tenure is one of the most meaningful milestones in a faculty member's career," said Dr. Amanda Smith, the college's Vice President of Academic Affairs. "These individuals exemplify the dedication, expertise, and passion that define Rock Valley College. Their commitment to student success and to their respective fields strengthens our institution and the communities we serve."

As Rock Valley College continues to invest in its academic programs and student experience, the contributions of these newly tenured faculty members will play a vital role in shaping the college's future.

Media Contact

• RVC Public Relations
• (815) 921-4510
• Email RVC Public Relations
• RVC Communications Page