MacGregor honored with Dean's 2021 Award for Distinguished Service

Rachel Endo, Dean of the School of Education at UW Tacoma, is pleased to award Dr. Robert MacGregor, Director of the Educational Administration (ED ADMIN) Program and a Professor of Practice, with the Inaugural Dean’s 2021 Award for Distinguished Service to the School of Education. She presented the award to him on June 01, 2021. Dr. MacGregor will retire from UW Tacoma on June 30, 2021 after four years of outstanding leadership and service.

This award recognizes an outstanding individual whose service to the School of Education at UW Tacoma has led to positive and substantial impacts in the community and to the field. Endo remarks:

Dr. MacGregor and I started at UW Tacoma around the same time in the summer of 2017. A trusted colleague and friend, I have regularly consulted with Dr. MacGregor on a range of personal and professional matters. I have many fond memories of causing “good trouble” with him—all for a greater good.

I had the distinct honor of visiting several of his classes and seeing him in action at external events and state meetings over the years. Dr. MacGregor has facilitated several brave conversations with aspiring and current educational leaders in ways that have made them more compassionate and equity-minded leaders. He constantly reminds everyone that leading with equity is central to, not separate from, “doing what’s best for kids.” During his time at UW Tacoma, he has mentored and supported hundreds of colleagues, field supervisors, interns, and part-time lecturers, as well as up-and-coming leaders throughout the state who were not directly connected to our program.

As a leader, Dr. MacGregor has taught me many life-changing lessons about the role of grace, patience, and perseverance in the making of extraordinary leaders. We often would share jokes about the difference between leading and managing. During our time together, he has taught me how to be a better leader and a far better person. 

I thank Dr. MacGregor for his outstanding service to the School of Education, UW Tacoma, and the field of education. He is most deserving of this recognition. I wish him all of the best as he enters into his well-deserved retirement.