CTE Director Receives POD Network's Highest Honor

At the Professional and Organizational Development (POD) Network's 48th Annual Conference in November, Barbara Fried Director Michael Palmer was awarded the Bob Pierleoni Spirit of POD Award. This prestigious award is the highest honor the organization bestows upon a member and akin to a lifetime achievement award. It is for members who "demonstrate selfless contributions through service to the organization and the field of educational development. They exemplify the philosophy, principles, and practices of the POD Network such as generosity of spirit, kindness, compassion, sincerity, inclusiveness, and civility."

An excerpt from one nomination letter read: "Michael’s equity-minded leadership of his team serves as a model for other institutions and the POD Network. During the pandemic, Michael led his team through a self-study focused on inclusive excellence, which went on to inform a range of work on racial equity and justice. Through this kind of exemplary self-reflection, Michael challenges us to be better – while he is also doing the same."

The POD Network is the largest professional organization for educational development in North America.

Congratulations, Michael!