Kristen McMaster awarded the 2024 Peabody Distinguished Alumna Award

Dr. Kristen McMaster, Guy Bond Chair in Reading and professor in the Department of Educational Psychology's special education program, has been recognized with the 2024 Peabody Distinguished Alumna Award. Recipients of the Peabody Distinguished Alumna Award must be Peabody College graduates nominated for their work post-graduation. Dr. McMaster spoke and was presented with the award at Peabody College's commencement ceremonies on May 10 for her teaching, research, and other professional achievements and their impact on the field of special education.

“We are very proud to call Kristen McMaster an alumna of Peabody College. She not only leads rigorous literacy education studies, but she regularly supports K-12 teachers through evidence-based professional development—epitomizing Peabody’s mission of translating discoveries into more effective practice. I congratulate Kristen on being named this year’s Distinguished Alumna," said Camilla Benbow, Patricia and Rodes Hart Dean of Education and Human Development at Vanderbilt University's Peabody College.

Dr. McMaster received her bachelor of science, master of education, and doctorate in special education from Peabody College at Vanderbilt University, which is the university's College of Education and Human Development. Dr. McMaster has been working at the University of Minnesota since she completed her doctorate. She has been involved in literacy-related assessments and interventions, supporting teachers' use of data and evidence to develop individualized instruction for students. Read more.

Congratulations to Kristen!