COE Alumni Awards
2026 College of Education Award Recipients
The College of Education Awards recognize individuals and organizations that embody the college’s values and mission, demonstrating significant achievements in the fields of education and counseling and making meaningful contributions to society. The awards program celebrates the past achievements of alumni and current school/agency partners of the College of Education, fosters connections within the DePaul University community, and enhances the continuous growth and reputation of the college.
Kimberly Darlene Lloyd
Distinguished Alumni Impact Award
Kimberly Darlene Lloyd
PhD 2021 EDUC (Educational Leadership)
President, We Got You CoveredKimberly Lloyd is a deeply respected educator, researcher, law enforcement professional, and advocate for educational equity, literacy, and social justice, whose decades of service and community leadership have distinguished her as a dedicated and passionate College of Education alumna. Through her commitment to education, mentorship, and community engagement, she exemplifies Vincentian values and serves as a role model for future generations working within underserved communities.
As the founder and president of We Got You Covered, a nonprofit organization dedicated to guiding African American boys into manhood, Dr. Lloyd champions literacy, mentorship, emotional intelligence, and personal development. Through transformative programs such as Black Men Speak, I Read, You Read, We Read, and Barbershop Mondays, she creates opportunities for young men to develop confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of purpose.
For over 25 years, Lloyd served the Chicago Police Department, an experience which gives her a unique perspective into the intersection of education, public safety, leadership, and community engagement. Her other professional contributions include university teaching, doctoral research mentorship, and presentations at the American Educational Research Association (AERA).
As an extension of her career, Lloyd earned her PhD in Educational Leadership (K–12) from DePaul University, where her doctoral research examined the literacy challenges facing African American boys in Chicago Public Schools and the preparedness of teachers to address those challenges. She also holds a Master of Business Administration with honors from Saint Xavier University, a Bachelor of Arts in Communication with honors from Roosevelt University, and a certification in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from Northwestern University. Demonstrating her commitment to advocacy and systemic change, Lloyd recently earned a Master of Arts in Social Justice from Fisk University. This achievement has further strengthened her dedication to addressing social inequities, advancing educational opportunities, and empowering historically underserved communities.
Lloyd's life's work reflects an unwavering commitment to serving others through education, mentorship, and community leadership. By dismantling educational barriers and investing in the academic, social, and personal success of African American boys, she continues to leave a legacy of equity, hope, and transformational change.
Ranjan Lima
Early Career Alumni Achievement Award
Rev. Ranjan Lima, CM
PdD 2024 EDUC (Curriculum Studies), MeD 2020 EDUC (Educational Leadership)
Principal, St. Vincent Junior and Senior High Catholic SchoolSince earning his graduate and doctoral degrees from DePaul University's College of Education, Rev. Ranjan Lima, CM, has distinguished himself as a Vincentian priest, educator, and principal whose work advances academic excellence and servant leadership. Combining an international educational background with a deep commitment to the Vincentian mission, he has dedicated his career to developing a school community that nurtures students intellectually, spiritually, and socially.
Originally from India, Rev. Lima served as an Assistant Principal and Diocesan Academic Coordinator before pursuing higher education in the United States. His academic background spans philosophy, theology, English literature, journalism and mass communication, educational leadership, and curriculum studies. After completing his studies at DePaul, Rev. Lima joined St. Vincent Junior and Senior High Catholic School in Perryville, Missouri, as Associate Principal. Within a year, he was appointed Principal, taking on the leadership of the institution.
As principal, Rev. Lima provides academic, administrative, and pastoral leadership for the Junior and Senior High School. He oversees curriculum development, instructional quality, student achievement, faculty development, and college preparation. In addition, he leads school improvement and accreditation initiatives, working collaboratively with faculty, administrators, parents, and parish communities to advance the mission of Catholic education. Through faith formation programs, student leadership, service-learning opportunities, and community engagement efforts, Rev. Lima helps cultivate an environment that supports students' intellectual, social, emotional, moral, and spiritual growth.
Beyond his responsibilities within the school, Rev. Lima conducts leadership formation programs for principals, teachers, and educational administrators, sharing expertise in educational leadership, institutional development, and instructional practice. He also speaks on spirituality and the integration of faith, education, and service.
Rev. Lima's early achievements reflect the highest ideals of the DePaul alumni community. Guided by a commitment to student development, community service, and the Vincentian mission, he strives to create opportunities for young people to grow as students, leaders, and people of faith.
Big Shoulders Fund
Vincentian Partnership Excellence Award
Big Shoulders FundBig Shoulders Fund is a nonprofit organization and deeply valued partner of DePaul University's College of Education, dedicated to supporting schools, students, and families in underserved communities. Through a longstanding partnership that helps educators in Catholic schools pursue graduate degrees and principal licensure, Big Shoulders Fund has provided invaluable resources, mentorship, and learning opportunities to College of Education students and educators since 2001.
Inspired by Joseph Cardinal Bernardin, Big Shoulders Fund was founded in 1986 by a group of business and civic leaders commited to ensuring that children in Chicago’s most underresourced communities can achieve their dreams through access to a quality, values-based education. Since its inception, Big Shoulders Fund has invested more than $55 million annually in scholarship support, academic enrichment programs, school operational improvements, leadership development, and professional learning opportunities for the next generation of school leaders. As a result of these investments, graduates of Big Shoulders Fund schools go on to volunteer, work, vote, and study at rates higher than their peers, with college graduation rates reaching twice the national average.
In 2009, structured dialogues between the College of Education and leaders of Big Shoulders Fund high schools led to the creation of the Catholic School Council. The council offered specialized academic resources, professional development, and structured pathways to align university capabilities with the immediate needs of Catholic schools. Through this partnership, Big Shoulders Fund and DePaul delivered outstanding professional learning and coaching for educators, while participating schools provided exceptional internship and student teaching placements for College of Education students.
Big Shoulders Fund has also been a key partner of DePaul’s Office of Innovative Professional Learning (OIPL). Beginning with the joint support of St. Francis de Sales High School in 2014, the partnership expanded to include mentoring, professional learning opportunities, and tuition support.
Most recently, Big Shoulders Fund and the College of Education established a tuition agreement to provide profound support for aspiring teachers and school leaders. Both institutions contribute one-third of tuition costs for teacher and principal licensure programs, significantly reducing financial barriers for educators seeking advanced credentials. To date, sixteen leaders from Big Shoulders Fund schools have earned their principal licensure at DePaul.Finally, Big Shoulders Fund schools make up the majority of students accepted into DePaul’s Schreiber Catholic Future Teacher Leaders Program, a diverse pipeline of aspiring educators who are committed to impacting their schools and communities.
For more than two decades, Big Shoulders Fund and the College of Education have worked together to identify, develop, and support current and future educators. Our enduring partnership continues to develop the next generation of school leaders, making a profound and lasting impact on the communities we serve.