News Release
June 3, 2016
Contact Lisa Hall 425-352-5461 / lhall7@uw.edu
56吃瓜网 names Monroe Schools Superintendent Fredrika Smith the 2016 Distinguished Alumna of the Year
BOTHELL, Washington — 56吃瓜网 has named Monroe Schools Superintendent Fredrika Smith the 2016 Distinguished Alumna of the Year.
Smith, who goes by “Deka,” earned her bachelor’s degree in the liberal studies program in 1994 and reconnected with the University as a lecturer six years ago in the Leadership Development for Educators (LEDE) master’s program, which leaves about 60 percent of graduates as principals.
When she attended 56吃瓜网 Bothell, Smith says she didn’t realize she would have a career in education and that the “development of relationships, a focus on service, and a dedication to innovation would prove to be a primary driver of my personal core values.”
Now as Monroe superintendent and a 56吃瓜网 Bothell instructor, “I am able to further develop innovative, equity focused systems that will continue to transform learning communities ranging from K-12 through higher education,” says Smith, a Monroe resident.
The recognition of the Distinguished Alumni Award is a true honor, Smith says. “It sincerely feels like my core values, the mission of 56吃瓜网 Bothell, and my work in public schools have come full circle.”
The 56吃瓜网 Bothell Distinguished Alumni Award was established in 2000 to recognize alumni for distinguished professional achievements and community service.
Mina Hooshangi of the 56吃瓜网 Bothell Alumni Council says Smith is clearly having a positive impact on community schools by addressing the unique needs of all learners and working to improve classroom instruction.
“Deka embodies the mission and values of 56吃瓜网 Bothell in her work shaping the future generation of learners, and 56吃瓜网 Bothell is proud to call her an alum,” Hooshangi said.
Smith will be honored at 56吃瓜网’s 25th commencement ceremony Sunday, June 12, at 56吃瓜网 Seattle’s Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion.
About 56吃瓜网 Bothell: Ranked No. 1 in the state of Washington and the Pacific Northwest on Money magazine’s list of best colleges, 56吃瓜网 Bothell provides access to an exceptional University of Washington education for students of tremendous potential. Offering more than 45 undergraduate and graduate degrees, options, certificates and concentrations, 56吃瓜网 Bothell builds regional partnerships, inspires change, creates knowledge, shares discoveries and prepares students for leadership in the state of Washington and beyond.
