WMU College of Education and Human Development

06/23/2026

We’re celebrating CEHD alumna Dr. Viloshinee Murugan and her new young adult book series, Quiet Defiance—a story inspired by her mother’s lived experience and rooted in resilience, responsibility, and hope. Congratulations, Dr. Murugan 💛

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06/18/2026

Important conversations about equity and access are happening on campus! Recently, students from Dr. Wanda Hadley's Educational Leadership Higher Education Law course met with WMU President Russ Kavalhuna for a deep dive into disability law. The discussion centered on the complex legal issues that influence the transition to college for students with disabilities.

06/16/2026

Taking global learning to the next level! Our Human Performance and Health Education students and faculty got an exclusive look inside the Korea Institute of Sport Science during their study abroad adventure through South Korea and Taiwan. 🇰🇷🇹🇼

06/11/2026

From founding the Journaling Club and presiding over the Rock Climbing Club to preparing for her future classroom, Audrey does it all! 🧗‍♀️✍️ Discover how she found her home at Western Michigan University in her new student spotlight: https://loom.ly/cJqnkBQ

05/27/2026

Inspired by her family's legacy and her high school business teacher, Gracie Feckovics found her true calling in Western Michigan University’s business education program. Through campus involvement and hands-on pre-internship experiences, she is already applying real-world skills like universal design learning to create accessible classrooms for future students. Keep up the great work, Gracie! 💛🤎

Read about it here: https://loom.ly/kNQ35r8

05/21/2026

Congratulations to two-time WMU alumnus, Dr. Huang Wu! He was recently awarded the Emerging Scholar Award by the American Educational Research Association (Division A), which recognizes outstanding contributions to the field of leadership, administration, or organizational theory. Way to go, Dr. Wu! 🤎💛

05/19/2026

Join us in celebrating one of our counselor education faculty, Dr. Olivia Ngadjui! She has been nationally appointed as senior editor of the Chi Sigma Iota Counseling Academic and Professional Honor Society International's Counselors’ Bookshelf. Proud to have you representing WMU! 🤎💛

05/09/2026

The week isn’t over yet — and the honors keep coming! 🍎✨ We’re thrilled to celebrate Western Michigan University elementary education alumna Kelly Alvarez, whose impact on multilingual education continues to shape schools across Michigan and beyond.

This week, Alvarez received the Spirit of Excellence Award at the Michigan Association for Bilingual Education - MABE Institute 2026, recognizing her outstanding leadership and advocacy for multilingual learners. Congratulations, Kelly! 💛🤎

Read the story at: wmich.edu/education/news/2026/05/alvarez-bilingual-spirit-excellence-award

WMU Alumni Association

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05/08/2026

🚨 Alert: It’s a sweep! 💛🤎

WMU educators are taking home some of Michigan’s highest honors in education leadership and excellence. Erik Meerschaert, Western Michigan University alumnus and teacher at Lake Orion High School, has officially been named Michigan Teacher of the Year for 2026-2027!

He joins fellow WMU alumni Tara Becker-Utess, named Michigan’s 2026 High School Assistant Principal of the Year, and Dr. Kimberly Carter, named Michigan’s 2026 Superintendent of the Year—giving WMU Alumni a full range of top statewide education honors.

As we wrap up Teacher Appreciation Week, we’re proud to celebrate the incredible educators and leaders who represent the very best of WMU's CEHD. While this week shines a special spotlight on their impact, we celebrate these educators and the difference they make all year long.

From classrooms to district leadership, Bronco educators continue to inspire students, strengthen communities, and shape the future of education every single day. 🍎

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05/07/2026

Day 4 and the celebration continues 💛🤎

This Teacher Appreciation Week, we’re proud to continue recognizing CEHD alumni and educators who are making a lasting impact in classrooms, schools, and communities every day.

Today we highlight:

🍎 Grace Eishen — Teacher at Thomas M. Ryan Intermediate School, Gull Lake Community Schools

🍎 Mary Borkholder — Bilingual Coordinator in Nottawa

🍎 Jimmy Pierucci — Physical Education Teacher at Hackett Catholic Prep

🍎 Stephanie DeAnda — family and consumer sciences teacher at Portage Central High School

🍎 Johnny Edwards — superintendent of Portage Public Schools

From supporting multilingual learners to leading school districts and inspiring students in the classroom, these Bronco educators are helping shape the future of education in meaningful ways.