WilmU Alum Honored for Counseling Advocacy
A longtime advocate for school counseling in Delaware has been recognized for his impact on students and the professionals who support them.
The Delaware School Counselor Association, in partnership with Wilmington University, presented the Karen Keegan Friend of School Counseling Award to Dr. Michael Hill-Shaner of the Delaware Department of Education’s (DDOE) Teacher Academy and Educators Rising programs.
The award, established in 2023, honors the legacy of Karen Keegan, whose work advanced student success and elevated the role of school counselors statewide. It is given to an individual outside the counseling profession who demonstrates a strong commitment to supporting counselors and enhancing their ability to serve students and was presented at a banquet celebrating National School Counseling Week.
Dr. Hill-Shaner, a WilmU alumnus, was cited for making a “significant and lasting impact” through efforts that amplify counselor voices, expand access to resources, and encourage collaboration across educational systems. He leads the Delaware Teacher Academy and Educators Rising programs at the DDOE. He was nominated by Jennifer Davis, an education associate at DDOE and a WilmU alumna.
The DSCA recognizes school counselors across Delaware while spotlighting partners who strengthen the profession. Organizers said Dr. Hill-Shaner’s work exemplifies the collaborative spirit and advocacy the award is designed to celebrate.
A longtime advocate for school counseling in Delaware has been recognized for his impact on students and the professionals who support them.
The Delaware School Counselor Association, in partnership with Wilmington University, presented the Karen Keegan Friend of School Counseling Award to Dr. Michael Hill-Shaner of the Delaware Department of Education’s (DDOE) Teacher Academy and Educators Rising programs.
The award, established in 2023, honors the legacy of Karen Keegan, whose work advanced student success and elevated the role of school counselors statewide. It is given to an individual outside the counseling profession who demonstrates a strong commitment to supporting counselors and enhancing their ability to serve students and was presented at a banquet celebrating National School Counseling Week.
Dr. Hill-Shaner, a WilmU alumnus, was cited for making a “significant and lasting impact” through efforts that amplify counselor voices, expand access to resources, and encourage collaboration across educational systems. He leads the Delaware Teacher Academy and Educators Rising programs at the DDOE. He was nominated by Jennifer Davis, an education associate at DDOE and a WilmU alumna.
The DSCA recognizes school counselors across Delaware while spotlighting partners who strengthen the profession. Organizers said Dr. Hill-Shaner’s work exemplifies the collaborative spirit and advocacy the award is designed to celebrate.
