2026 Distinguished Alumni
2026 Distinguished Alumni Awards
Inspiring Educational Leaders to Solve Systemic and Universal Challenges
The School of Education proudly hosted its annual Distinguished Alumni Awards on Wednesday, October 14, 2026. This special evening celebrated graduates whose careers reflect a commitment to educational excellence, leadership, service, and opportunity for students and educators. Through their work as educators, researchers, counselors, administrators, and advocates, the 2026 honorees are making meaningful contributions to their schools, communities, and the broader field of education.
The 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients represent a diverse group of professionals whose work spans education, research, counseling, leadership, and policy. Their accomplishments reflect the many ways School of Education graduates apply their knowledge and experience to strengthen educational systems, support students and educators, and expand opportunities for others. Please join us in congratulating this year’s honorees and celebrating their contributions to the Loyola community and beyond.
The Counseling Psychology Distinguished Alumni Award
Melissa L. Morgan, PhD
Melissa L. Morgan (PhD ’06), a graduate of the Counseling Psychology program, is a professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign whose internationally recognized research focuses on resilience, thriving, immigrant and Latinx populations, multiculturalism, and social justice. Her scholarship and teaching address diversity, discrimination, immigration, and well-being.
The Educational Leadership Distinguished Alumni Award
Colleen Brewer, EdD
Colleen J. Brewer (MEd '07, EdD '24), a graduate of the Instructional Leadership program and Administration and Supervision program (now Educational Leadership), is superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Gary, Indiana, where she leads 20 Catholic schools. She has held leadership roles in Catholic education as a teacher, dean of students, vice principal, principal, and regional director for turnaround schools with the Archdiocese of Chicago. Her work includes principal and teacher coaching, transformational leadership, data-informed decision-making, and building strong school cultures.
The Research Methodology Distinguished Alumni Award
Reiko Kakuyama-Villaber, MA, MEd
Reiko Kakuyama-Villaber (MA '07, MEd '10), a graduate of the Research Methodology and Cultural and Educational Policy Studies programs, is a senior researcher at Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago. Her work focuses on evaluating interventions and policies that support trauma-informed and culturally responsive programming, social-emotional learning, and mental health.
The School Psychology Distinguished Alumni Award
Kelsie Reed, PhD
Kelsie Reed (MEd ’16, PhD ’20), a graduate of the School Psychology and Educational Psychology programs, is a school psychologist with Prince George’s County Public Schools in Maryland. Her work focuses on student mental health, social-emotional learning, and equitable practices in schools. She is the founder of Strength-Based Collective and co-author of Hacking Deficit Thinking, a practical, evidence-informed guide that helps educators replace deficit narratives with strength-based, equity-focused practices.
The Teaching & Learning Distinguished Alumni Award
Lisa Caputo Love, EdD
Lisa Caputo Love, EdD (BSEd '03, MEd '08), a graduate of the Teaching and Learning program, where she earned a bachelor’s in elementary education and a master’s in special education, is a Chicago Public Schools teacher and adjunct faculty member at Loyola. Her work focuses on teacher leadership, mentoring, inclusive education, and systems that support student learning. She has contributed to statewide initiatives in educator preparation, retention, and policy and serves on the Illinois Educator Preparation Profile Advisory Committee.