WMU’s College of Education and Human Development honored with 2025 Friend of FCS Award

Contact: Chris Hybels

November 13, 2025

WMU receiving FCS Award — WMU and the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) celebrate during the presentation of the Friend of FCS Award. Pictured are (front row) MIFCS President-elect Leah Brinker; Dr. Laura Dinehart, CEHD dean; Emily Anthony, faculty specialist I and Tayler Mercil, CEHD manager of recruitment and outreach; as well as (back row) Dr. Adam Manley, chair of the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, and Chuck Bruce, faculty specialist II.

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—The Michigan affiliate of the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (MIFCS) has named Western Michigan University’s College of Education and Human Development as one of its 2025 recipients of the prestigious Friend of FCS Award. This honor recognizes the college’s outstanding support of the family and consumer sciences (FCS) field through educational programming and collaboration with the Michigan Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA).

FCCLA at WMU — WMU has hosted Michigan FCCLA's Fall Leadership Conference since 2023.

“It’s a tremendous honor for our college to receive the Friend of FCS Award, and so special that it happens before our third year hosting the FCCLA Fall Leadership Conference,” says Dr. Laura Dinehart, dean of the College of Education and Human Development.

The award was presented during the organizations’ 2025 Annual Conference. Leah Brinker, MIFCS president-elect, remarked on how the college has supported their mission and FCS.

“As Michigan’s only institution offering FCS teacher preparation, WMU provides a consistent pipeline of well-prepared educators entering MIFCS members’ classrooms,” Brinker said. “Future educators don’t just learn theory at WMU—they learn the profession directly from MIFCS members. By hosting conferences and maintaining strong ties with us, WMU models for future educators that professional growth is ongoing and collaborative—and that they’re part of something larger than their individual classrooms.”

About FCS teacher education at WMU

The family and consumer sciences teacher education major within the College of Education and Human Development prepares future educators to teach essential life skills in K-12 settings. The program equips them with the knowledge and practical experience to empower students in areas such as nutrition, personal finance, child development and culinary arts. To learn more, visit the program webpage.

For more WMU news, arts and events, visit WMU News online.