“Whitney Lewis is an outstanding student and we are very lucky that she chose to transfer to WMU. She has a wonderful career in front of her in teacher education.”
– Dr. Kristal Ehrhardt, Associate Dean of Teacher Education
Whitney Lewis, a proud participant of the TRIO Future Educator Success Program (FESP) and Western Michigan University alumna, continues to make a meaningful impact in both education and community service. Her journey reflects a strong commitment to academic excellence, restorative practices, and educational equity — values that were strengthened through her time in TRIO FESP and carried forward into her professional path.
Lewis was honored by YWCA Kalamazoo as one of six recipients of the Young Women of Achievement Award at the 2023 Women of Achievement Event. This recognition celebrates women dedicated to social justice and systems change within their communities. She was selected for her outstanding academic record and her extensive service in Kalamazoo Public Schools (KPS), where she has worked and volunteered in multiple roles supporting students and school communities.
“It’s humbling to be honored and recognized for the hard work that I put in as a student, but also the work that I put in for the betterment of the community and helping my future students,” Lewis shared. “It is a motivator to continue working hard, giving back and helping out.”
During her undergraduate studies in elementary education at WMU — after first graduating from Kalamazoo Valley — Lewis built an impressive record of leadership and service. She served as a restorative practice facilitator through Gryphon Place, supporting conflict resolution and student well-being in schools. Beyond her formal role, she volunteered as a classroom assistant and tutor across both elementary and middle school settings. She also served as a teacher leader and volunteer group facilitator for Martin Luther King Jr. Day events at Woods Lake Elementary, coordinating volunteers and student projects.
Her leadership extended to campus as well. Lewis served as an executive board member of the Future Teachers of Color student organization and was an active member of Aspiring Educators of Michigan. In recognition of her potential and dedication, she received the College of Education and Human Development’s Undergraduate Rising Star Award, presented to students who demonstrate exceptional promise in the field of education.
Faculty leaders recognized her impact early on. Dr. Kristal Ehrhardt, interim dean of WMU’s College of Education and Human Development at the time, noted, “Whitney Lewis is an outstanding student and we are very lucky that she chose to transfer to WMU. She has a wonderful career in front of her in teacher education.”
Lewis credits her hands-on experiences and community engagement as preparation for her long-term goal: becoming a middle school math teacher in Kalamazoo Public Schools. She remains committed to continued growth and learning. Today, she is advancing that goal by pursuing her master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction at WMU.
Her story stands as a strong example of how TRIO FESP students translate opportunity, support, and preparation into real-world impact — serving schools, strengthening communities, and shaping the future of education.
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