Mott Named South Central Illinois AHEC 2026 Healthcare Mentor of the Year

Rhonda Mott R.T. (R) (M) (CT)

Memorial Hospital is proud to announce that Rhonda Mott, Lead Radiologic Technologist, has been named the 2026 Healthcare Mentor of the Year by South Central Illinois Area Health Education Center (AHEC) in recognition of her extraordinary commitment to mentoring and developing future healthcare professionals.

The South Central Illinois AHEC Healthcare Mentor of the Year Award recognizes healthcare professionals who go above and beyond in mentoring and teaching students in clinical settings. The award honors individuals who make a meaningful impact on student learning, professional development, and workforce readiness while helping shape the next generation of healthcare providers.

Mott was nominated for her decades-long dedication to healthcare education and her support of students completing clinical rotations at Memorial Hospital. As a clinical preceptor for approximately 35 years and a member of the Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) Advisory Committee for more than 25 years, Mott has helped prepare countless students for successful careers in diagnostic imaging. She is one of SWIC's longest-serving clinical preceptors.

Mott has consistently provided students with a supportive, structured, and confidence-building learning environment. She thoroughly orients students to the clinical setting, integrates them into the healthcare team, encourages critical thinking, and provides reassurance during challenging situations. Students benefit from hands-on learning opportunities, constructive feedback, and real-world guidance on professional standards, teamwork, and patient-centered care.

For Mott, mentoring has always been rooted in a personal 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 helped mentor nearly 100 students through their clinical experiences. She believes the key to effective mentoring is fully including students in the daily operations of the department and treating them as valued 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."

Her impact extends far beyond individual student success. Many healthcare professionals serving communities throughout Southern Illinois began their careers under Mott's guidance. By helping students build confidence, competence, and a passion for patient care, she has played an important role in strengthening the healthcare workforce in the region.

In rural communities, where access to healthcare professionals is often a challenge, the importance of clinical mentors cannot be overstated. Dedicated preceptors like Mott help ensure that students gain the experience and encouragement needed to enter the workforce and remain in underserved areas. Her efforts contribute directly to the continued growth and sustainability of healthcare services 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."

Mott's supervisor, Andria Zweigart, highlighted her long-standing commitment to student success, noting that Mott has consistently welcomed students, maintained high-quality clinical experiences regardless of staffing or workload challenges, and demonstrated a genuine investment in helping future healthcare professionals succeed.

Memorial Hospital congratulates Rhonda Mott on this well-deserved recognition and thanks her for the lasting impact she has made on students, the diagnostic imaging profession, and the health of the communities the hospital serves.

Autumn Gulley, South Central Illinois AHEC Student Intern, Rhonda Mott R.T. (R) (M) (CT), Gloria Prz

Rhonda receiving her award.

Rhonda and her family attending the recognition ceremony.

About South Central Illinois AHEC

South Central Illinois AHEC serves a 16-county region of Southern Illinois and works to improve access to quality healthcare by supporting healthcare workforce development, education, and community partnerships. The Healthcare Mentor of the Year Award recognizes exceptional healthcare professionals who demonstrate outstanding mentorship and a dedication to student learning in clinical settings. To learn more about IL AHEC, please visit https://ilahec.uic.edu/

About Memorial Hospital

Memorial Hospital is committed to providing exceptional healthcare services while supporting the education and development of future healthcare professionals through clinical training, mentoring, and community partnerships.