A UCS administrator has earned a top state honor for exceptional leadership and dedication to school counseling.

Kim Charland, executive director of secondary curriculum and programs, has been named Administrator of the Year by the Michigan School Counselor Association (MSCA).

“Mrs. Charland is  a champion of education who advocates that all children must be strong, healthy and ready to learn,” superintendent Robert S. Monroe said. “Her whole child approach is an integral part of our UCS Empowered strategic plan, thanks to her work.”

Partnering with the district’s 38 counselors, Charland has led impactful changes to the district’s approach to student services and wellness.

These changes have increased the resources available to staff and parents (available at uticak12.org/ucs_wellness), created additional support to keep students on track for graduation, enhanced services for English Language Learners and Alternative Learning Center students, and increased professional development and overall support for the district’s counseling staff. 

“UCS counselors are a dynamic group and have the heart of their students in their hands,” Charland said. “They work hard at developing a relationship with their students so they can assist them in meeting their individual aspirations.”

Charland will be honored by the association at its fall conference in November.

“This prestigious recognition is a testament to Mrs. Charland’s outstanding leadership and unwavering support to the school counseling team and the entire UCS community,” said Amanda Sayre, awards and recognition chair for MSCA.