ACTE Announces Michigan Professor as National Award Finalist
ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Dr. Katherine Manley, Professor at Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Michigan, as the 2026 ACTE Region I Lifetime Achievement and Hall of Fame Award Recipient. This award recognizes the finest career and technical education (CTE) educators at the middle/secondary school level who have demonstrated innovation in the classroom, commitment to their students and dedication to the improvement of CTE in their institutions and communities.
Dr. Manley’s distinguished career in Career and Technical Education (CTE) began as a middle and high school business education teacher in both Florida and Iran. After earning her doctorate from Virginia Tech, she served as an administrator at Dalton Junior College and later as a Research Specialist at the National Center for Research in Vocational Education at The Ohio State University. In 1984, she joined Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Michigan, where she launched the institution’s first master’s degree program in CTE. Now, after four decades at Ferris, she continues to inspire future leaders by teaching graduate courses in CTE and Educational Leadership.
A respected professor and mentor, Dr. Manley is widely recognized for her expertise in CTE assessment, curriculum development, and research. She consistently receives exceptional evaluations from her students, who commend her engaging teaching style, depth of knowledge, and genuine commitment to their success. Her influence as a mentor is evident in the more than 30 graduate students she has guided who have gone on to earn doctorates in CTE-related disciplines.
Her scholarly contributions are equally impressive, with over 35 publications in leading journals and research reports. Her work has advanced the understanding of instructional strategies, school improvement, and competency-based education, directly shaping CTE policy and practice.
Dr. Manley’s impact reaches well beyond the classroom and academic research. She has led and contributed to numerous funded research and development projects, including the Michigan Center for Career and Technical Education and the Automotive Manufacturing Technical Education Collaborative (AMTEC). Her expertise has taken her to the international stage, where she has delivered workshops and presentations at global conferences in Brussels, Cologne, Monte Carlo, and Kuala Lumpur, among others. She has also been invited by the World Bank to support the redevelopment of training standards and curriculum for Iran and has contributed to curriculum development in countries such as Palau, Belize, and American Samoa.
As a consultant, Dr. Manley developed the innovative Turbo-DACUM job analysis method and a groundbreaking approach to curriculum and assessment used by 17 Fortune 500 companies as well as numerous schools, industries, and professional organizations. Her industry knowledge is woven into her graduate teaching, enriching the learning experience for her students.
Through her leadership, scholarship, and global outreach, Dr. Manley has impacted the education and training of hundreds of thousands of students in Michigan and around the world. Her numerous honors, including the Michigan Association of Governing Board of State Universities Distinguished Faculty Award, reflect her exceptional contributions to education. Her lifetime of service, innovation, and dedication make her a most deserving recipient of the ACTE Lifetime Achievement Award.
Manley is one of five finalists for the 2026 national title. The national winner will be announced at the ACTE Awards Gala, an award presentation recognizing the best CTE educators in the country. The event will take place on December 9, at 7:00 p.m. The Awards Gala is sponsored by Goodheart-Willcox, The Army, and Stratasys. For more information about the ACTE Excellence Awards, visit our webpage.
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About ACTE
The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) is the nation’s largest not-for-profit association committed to the advancement of education that prepares youth and adults for successful careers. ACTE represents the community of CTE professionals, including educators, administrators, researchers, school counselors, guidance and career development professionals and others at all levels of education. ACTE is committed to excellence in providing advocacy, public awareness and access to resources, professional development and leadership opportunities.
Jonathan Burke, a dedicated school counselor and CTE specialist with 19 years of service to Mesa County Valley School District 51, has made a lasting impact on both education and his community. Based at Palisade High School, where he has served as Department Chair for many years, Jonathan has also taken on the critical role of District Coordinator for Mental Health and Crisis, demonstrating his commitment to student well-being and success.
Valerie Tibbs has been a driving force in student success at Great Plains Technology Center in Lawton, Oklahoma, where she has served as the S.C.O.R.E./Career Counselor since 2007. The S.C.O.R.E. (School of Career Opportunities and Real Education) program is a dropout recovery initiative designed to help students earn their high school diplomas and re-engage in a path toward long-term success.
Margaret Janke, a Certified Veterinary Technician with more than 15 years of experience, brings her expertise and passion for animal healthcare to her role as instructor of the Veterinary Assisting program at Wilco Area Career Center in Romeoville, Illinois. Dedicated to connecting students with real-world opportunities, she has facilitated over 5,000 hours of work-based learning, partnering with local small businesses to provide students with meaningful, community-based experiences. Under her leadership, the program integrates industry-recognized certifications—such as Fear Free Veterinary Professional—directly into the curriculum, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to enter the workforce.
Claire Minto serves as the Supervisor of Academies and Work-Based Learning for Mobile County Public Schools (MCPSS), the largest district in Alabama, where she leads efforts to connect thousands of students with high-quality career pathways. A strong advocate for equitable access to Career and Technical Education (CTE), Minto has built systems that link students to high-wage, in-demand careers while ensuring programs are aligned with workforce needs.
Karmin Olds, a dedicated educator and school counselor, is making a lasting impact on students and the broader community through her work at Northwest Education Services Career Tech in Traverse City. A longtime resident of Northwest Michigan, Olds has spent her career supporting students on their paths to career and postsecondary success.
Nikki Melius, a dedicated family and consumer science teacher at Faulkton High School, has spent 28 years shaping the lives of students through career and technical education, including 25 years at Faulkton. She teaches students in grades 6–12 within the Human Services and Education Career Clusters and holds National Board Certification in Career and Technical Education. Melius also advises the school’s FCCLA chapter, guiding students in leadership, service, and career development.
With a career spanning 25 years, Heather Monks has made an indelible mark on students, colleagues, and the greater Ponca City community. Since 2000, Monks has served as the Marketing Education teacher and DECA advisor at Ponca City High School, dedicating her entire teaching career to preparing students for success in business, leadership, and life.
West Central Area Schools’ agricultural education program is flourishing under the leadership of Eric Sawatzke, who has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to student career readiness and community engagement in rural Minnesota. As an agricultural education instructor at West Central Area (WCA) Schools, which serves 360 students in grades 7–12, Sawatzke has made it his mission to prepare students for meaningful careers while also strengthening the fabric of the community he serves.
