Education alumna Kelly Alvarez honored for statewide impact on multilingual learners
KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Western Michigan University alumna Kelly Alvarez, continues to shape the future of multilingual education across Michigan and beyond. This week, Alvarez was honored with the Spirit of Excellence Award at the Michigan Association for Bilingual Education (MABE) Institute 2026, recognizing her outstanding leadership and advocacy for multilingual learners.
Alvarez, who earned her degree in elementary education from WMU in 2002, currently serves as the English Learner Consultant at the Michigan Department of Education. In her role, she has been instrumental in advancing multilingual education initiatives for school districts and intermediate school districts throughout Michigan.
Her influence has also extended nationally through her service as past president of the National Association of English Learner Program Administrators (NAELPA), where she championed equitable opportunities and support for multilingual learners across the country.
For educators and advocates throughout the state, Alvarez has become one of the defining voices of multilingual learner education in Michigan. Colleagues often affectionately refer to her as the “ML Queen,” a reflection of both her expertise and her unwavering dedication to students, educators and communities.
The Spirit of Excellence Award honors individuals whose leadership, advocacy and service have created meaningful and lasting change in bilingual and multilingual education. Alvarez’s recognition reflects not only her professional accomplishments, but also the deep passion, vision and commitment she brings to supporting multilingual learners, empowering educators and advancing equitable opportunities for students across Michigan and beyond. Through her work at both the state and national levels, Alvarez has helped elevate the importance of multilingual education while championing inclusive learning environments where every student has the opportunity to thrive.
Kelly’s recognition is another powerful example of the impact Bronco educators are making across Michigan and beyond. There truly is an extraordinary group of WMU alumni being honored this year for their leadership and service in education, reflecting the strength, passion and excellence that define our college and its graduates.
Alvarez joins a growing list of Bronco educators earning top honors this year, including Erik Meerschaert, named Michigan Teacher of the Year; Tara Becker-Utess, named Michigan High School Assistant Principal of the Year; and Dr. Kimberly Carter, named Michigan Superintendent of the Year. Together, these recognitions reflect the far-reaching impact of WMU alumni and the College of Education and Human Development, whose online graduate education programs were recently ranked No. 45 in the nation and No. 2 in Michigan by U.S. News & World Report.
At Western Michigan University, Alvarez’s achievement reflects the impact Bronco educators continue to make in classrooms, districts and educational leadership spaces around the nation. Her commitment to advocacy, inclusion and educational excellence embodies the values of the WMU College of Education and Human Development.
WMU congratulates Kelly Alvarez on this well-deserved honor and celebrates the meaningful difference she continues to make for multilingual learners and educators everywhere.
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