Rochester, MN — At a ceremony in Minneapolis last night, Rochester Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Kent Pekel was among 13 recipients of the Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Minnesota's College of Education and Human Development (CEHD). The Distinguished Alumni Award honors University of Minnesota College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) graduates who have a track record of achievem
ent and excellence in their careers and communities.
Out of the college's more than 70,000 alumni, just a few are selected each year to receive this award. Dr. Pekel was selected for his "effective bridging of research, practice, and policy, with an emphasis on relationship building, to help all young people thrive."
In his remarks after receiving the award, Dr. Pekel thanked everyone associated with Rochester Public Schools for the opportunity to be part of a community that is working to equip all young people with what they need to succeed in school and in life.
Dr. Pekel earned his Doctorate in Education from the University of Minnesota. He also holds a BA in East Asian Studies from Yale University and a Master's in Education from Harvard University.