Alumni Awards
The College of Education and Human Development takes pride in its alumni’s contributions and recognizes their accomplishments through the following four awards:
- Excellence in Education Award: given to alumni who have made a significant long-term contribution and commitment to their schools or organizations through creative and innovative teaching practices, their ability to inspire students and families, or their creative work in community organizations that directly supports children and families.
- Service to CEHD Award: given to alumni who have demonstrated substantial commitment to the mission of the college through the giving of time, talent and resources that advance the college mission.
- Trailblazer Award: given to a recent CEHD graduate (no more than 5 years post-graduation) who have distinguished themselves in their chosen professions or communities. This award is open to former graduate and undergraduate students.
- Leadership and Community Service Award: given to alumni who have made a substantive contribution to leadership in educational settings, communities, or their chosen professions.
Nomination Process
Nominations will be open each year from November 15 through January 31. You may submit your own nomination or recommend a friend or colleague. CEHD faculty/staff are encouraged to nominate our alumni as well.
The letter of nomination should detail the nominee’s strengths relative to the criteria listed above.
Nominations will be evaluated by the College Faculty Council and previous awardees will be invited to participate in the selection process. Award winners will be celebrated at a special recognition event.
Best of luck! We look forward to hearing about the wonderful initiatives you have inspired.
Excellence in Education
2026: Kevin Fitzgerald, 03EdD
2025: Maryann Koziol, EHD81; Nicholas Baker, AS02, EHD06M, 09EdD
2023: Katie Pollock, EHD02
2022: Gaysha Badley, EHD00M, 07EdD
2019: Shelby Dorr, EHD15, 16M
2018: Dawn Alexander, EHD93
Leadership & Community Service
2026: Jillian Solomon, EHD19, 20M
2025: Sarah Hearn, EHD00, 08M
2023: Chrishana Lloyd, EHD03PhD
2022: Dorrell Green, EHD98, 04M
2019: Cary Riches, EHD07M, EHD16EdD
2018: Corey Miklus, EHD14EdD
Trailblazer
2026: Ye Shen, 22PhD
2025: Teresa Hickok, EHD08, 19EdD; Tara Silberg, EHD20
2023: Maureen McDonald, EHD19EdD
2022: Jessica Rodrigues, EHD17PhD
Service to CEHD
2025: Jaime Bailey, EHD07, 22EdD
2023: Staci Lewis, EHD20
2022: Terri Smith, EHD83
2018: Barbara Prillaman, EHD08EdD
New Graduate Alumni
2019: Michael Hannon, EHD98, 00M
2018: Valerie Harlow Shinas, EHD12PhD