Alum Kelly Herberholz was named 2025 Educator of the Year by Governor Gretchen Whitmer in June. The honor comes with a $10,000 prize from the Michigan Lottery's Excellence in Education Program.
"When thinking about what career to pursue, education just made perfect sense for me," Herberholz said in a press release published by Governor Whitmer's office. "Teaching is the perfect opportunity for me to work with young people, share my passion for science and guide students in working towards their goals."
Starting this academic year, Herberholz is the assistant principal at Algonquin Middle School, part of Chippewa Valley Schools (Macomb County). At the time of earning the award, Herberholz was a science teacher and administrative team intern at Dakota High School.
Herberholz graduated with an M.A. in K-12 Educational Administration in 2017. She also earned her bachelor's degree in Chemistry from the College of Natural Science in 2012, before earning a secondary teaching certificate.
For Herberholz, the connection to MSU, and to the connections she made throughout both degree journeys helped solidify the educator that she is to this day. She recalled developing strong inquiry and curiosity from MSU professors, as well as camaraderie and intentionality from fellow Spartans in her cohort. In fact, she continues connections with fellow alums to this day, sharing teaching stories and strategies in regular Zoom calls.
“The cohesiveness of the [Secondary Education Teacher Preparation] program is something I value the most,” Herberholz recalled. “I’m a Spartan, I’ll always be a Spartan. My alma mater means the world to me. It provided me with a lot.”
Created in 2014, the Michigan Lottery award honors public school educators from across the state. Spartans have won the award twice: Megan Sidge in 2020 and the late Daniel Carr in 2015.
Photos courtesy of Kelly Herberholz.
Editor's note: The M.A. in K-12 Educational Administration was renamed the M.A. in P-12 Educational Administration, effective in the 2025-2026 academic year.