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In our latest alumni spotlight, Dr. Ben Gauyan (EdD, ’09) shares what excites him about leading Walla Walla Public Schools, the throughline of his leadership journey, and how his L4L experience continues to shape his approach. From staying grounded by centering students to finding joy in family, music and sports, Dr. Gauyan offers thoughtful reflections on leadership and balance.

Dr. Emily Holm Tobin (Ph.D., '24, Learning Sciences and Human Development) is uncovering the surprising ways families learn and grow together in museums, zoos, and other informal spaces. With a unique background in history, archaeology and museum studies, she’s bringing fresh insights to early learning, showing how everyday family outings can nurture connection, curiosity and compassion.

Dr. Becky Clifford, a graduate of UW’s Leadership for Learning (L4L) program, has been named superintendent of the South Whidbey School District. With over 20 years in public education and a strong focus on equity, inclusion, and special education, Dr. Clifford brings compassionate, community-centered leadership to her new role. Read the full Q&A to learn more about her leadership journey, reflections on her time in Anacortes, and the impact of her L4L experience.

From her earliest days in the classroom to her current role shaping the next generation of school psychologists, Dr. Kawena Begay (M.Ed., Ph.D., ‘16, School Psychology) has always been driven by a simple yet powerful mission: to create inclusive spaces where every student can thrive. Her journey, from a first-grade teacher on the Navajo Reservation to a tenure-track professor at the ±¬×ߺÚÁÏ Tacoma, reflects her deep commitment to equity, culturally responsive practices and amplifying marginalized voices in education. Read more about Dr. Begay’s journey.

AWSP is a K-12 organization and each year recognizes two winners, one elementary and one secondary principal, as its Washington State Principals of the Year.

The University Council for Educational Administration (UCEA) Excellence in Educational Leadership Award recognizes a practicing school administrator who has made a significant contribution to the improvement of leadership preparation and development.

Alumna Dr. Erin Riesland has received a Fulbright Specialist Program award to complete a project at SayPro in South Africa that aims to exchange knowledge and establish partnerships.

Alumna Tianna Mae Andresen has been busy since graduating from the ±¬×ߺÚÁÏ, where she double majored in Education, Communities and Organizations (ECO) and American Ethnic Studies.

By unapologetically coming into spaces, being ourselves and still using slang, showing a different perception of what it means to be a teacher, it switches the trajectory of what students can do with their own lives.