Shelly Schreier, teaching professor and Neil M. Kalter Collegiate Lecturer of Psychology in LSA, is one of three recipients of the 2026 Michigan Distinguished Professor of the Year Award. 

The awards are presented annually by the Michigan Association of State Universities to recognize outstanding contributions and dedication to the education of undergraduate students exhibited by the faculty from Michigan’s 15 public universities.

The Michigan Distinguished Professor of the Year award recognizes the outstanding contributions and dedication exhibited by the faculty from Michigan’s 15 public universities to the education of undergraduate students. Each university was invited to nominate a faculty member who has had a significant impact on undergraduate student learning through various activities, including classroom instruction, applied research, experiential learning and mentoring.

“We are very pleased to nominate Professor Schreier as an exemplar of the committed, innovative teaching for which the Michigan Distinguished Professor of the Year Award is known,” said Laurie McCauley, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs.

Schreier received her bachelor’s degree, master’s degree and doctorate in clinical psychology from U-M. A transformative educator whose distinguished career reflects an extraordinary commitment to undergraduate education, mentorship and student success, Schreier has taught more than 26,000 students across large lectures, first-year seminars, and independent studies. 

She is widely recognized for her ability to “awaken joy in learning” and to create a positive, inspiring environment in which students feel seen, supported, and challenged. 

Schreier is perhaps best known for her teaching of Introductory Psychology, a gateway course she has taught more than 60 times, where students develop critical thinking skills, learn to evaluate evidence, and gain a deeper appreciation for scientific inquiry. 

She meets students where they are, fosters learning environments that encourage risk-taking and persistence, and equips them with strategies to “learn how to learn.” Her pedagogy emphasizes that setbacks are part of growth, modeling teaching and learning as an ongoing process while cultivating resilience, curiosity, and confidence. 

One particularly innovative course she developed is Psychological Development Through Children’s Literature, which uses classic picture books and novels to help students explore cognitive, social, and emotional development. 

Her “infectious joy” in teaching, combined with her gift for translating complex ideas from clinical and developmental psychology into relatable, actionable insights, enables students to connect course concepts to their own lives and future paths. 

Schreier’s impact extends well beyond the classroom through extensive individualized and experiential learning opportunities. She has taught 178 independent study courses and mentors students one-on-one as they explore personal and professional interests, connecting them with research labs, community organizations and career pathways. 

Her mentorship helps students translate curiosity into meaningful experiences that shape their academic and professional trajectories. 

A leader in teaching innovation, she integrates evidence-based learning strategies into her courses, drawing on research to improve student outcomes and engagement. She also contributes broadly to undergraduate education through leadership in graduate student instructor training and has served on the LSA Curriculum Committee and the President’s Advisory Council.  

She has been recognized with numerous teaching awards, including the 2023 Wilbert J. McKeachie Award for Excellence in Lecture-Based Teaching, the Michigan Daily “Best of Ann Arbor” Best Professor Award in 2016 and 2017, and the 2013 Golden Apple, the only teaching award bestowed by students that honors teachers who strive to not only disseminate knowledge but inspire and engage students in its pursuit. 

Schreier’s profound and lasting impact is reflected in the countless students who credit her with building their confidence, shaping their career paths and helping them become thoughtful, empathetic professionals.

“This year’s honorees reflect the highest standards of teaching excellence across Michigan’s public universities,” said Daniel Hurley, chief executive officer at the Michigan Association of State Universities. “Their contributions to undergraduate education, student mentorship, and academic innovation distinguish them as leaders in higher education. Their work and dedication exemplify the very best of the teaching, research, and service missions of our state universities.”

The two other 2026 recipients include Ian Mull of Central Michigan University and Sanjivan Manoharan of Grand Valley State University.