University of Maine at Augusta educator recognized on global stage for leadership in whole-child education and social-emotional learning
Dr. Leigh Reagan Alley recently received a distinguished international honor from the 2026 Women Changing the World Global Awards held in Paris on April 22. Dr. Alley was named the second-place winner in the Woman in Education category. The recognition followed a highly competitive selection process that included more than 1,500 nominees from 97 countries.
Alley serves as UMA’s coordinator of teacher education and an assistant professor of education. While the awards ceremony took place on a global stage, her work is deeply rooted in the needs of students and educators here in Maine. Earlier this year, she was named a global finalist in both the Education and Rural Impact categories, ultimately being awarded Silver in Education. This dual recognition highlights her commitment to strengthening local communities through innovative teaching.
Her work focuses on “whole-child” education and social-emotional learning. These are essential foundations for building resilient schools and thriving communities. By teaching future educators to lead with empathy and a holistic mindset, Alley is helping to ensure that Maine’s classrooms are places where every student feels safe and valued.
Alley shared that being recognized among women making such profound impacts worldwide is deeply humbling. As the 2nd Place honoree in the Woman in Education category, Alley was recognized alongside 1st Place winner Naledi Nshingila, 3rd Place winner Jyothi Vemu, and Honorable Mention Sarah Chapman. To Alley, education is about much more than academic achievement. She believes it is about belonging, dignity, and the human relationships that help both learners and teachers thrive. This award affirms her belief that humanity belongs at the very heart of the classroom.
At UMA, Alley is known for her dedication to “compassionate rigor,” which balances high academic standards with genuine care. This global honor highlights the growing importance of that balance in modern education. It is a proud moment for our university and a reminder of the world-class expertise our faculty bring to our students every day.
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Leigh Alley on this remarkable achievement.