Dean Receives Inaugural Pitt Education Award

Dr. Olga Welch, dean of the School of Education, is the recipient of the inaugural Alan Lesgold Award for Excellence in Urban Education from the Center for Urban Education in the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Education.

The Alan Lesgold Award, named for Pitt’s School of Education Dean, is presented to an educator, leader or community member who demonstrates outstanding work and commitment to innovation and improvement in urban education. Welch received the honor during an educational meeting and forum in Oakland.

“As dean of the School of Education at Duquesne University and as the leader of its new epicenter—The Canevin Center for Educational Transformation and Social Justice—Dr. Olga Welch is a true champion of urban education in Pittsburgh and beyond,” said Dr. H. Richard Milner IV, the Helen Faison Endowed Chair of Urban Education at Pitt and educational director of its Center for Urban Education.

“She is a woman who, along with her faculty and staff, has pushed Duquesne’s vision and work on urban education, and fostered an atmosphere of inclusion and innovation,” Milner added. “We were pleased to honor her and The Canevin Center’s work as they both reflect the mission and vision of what it means to be an educator,” Milner added.

In addition to her work as dean, Welch is a founding board member of The Pittsburgh Promise and continues to serve on its board’s executive committee. She also serves on multiple Pittsburgh community boards, including Entrepreneuring Youth, the Hill House Association and Communities in Schools. Welch’s most recent awards include a YWCA of Greater Pittsburgh Tribute to Women Leadership Award in Education and a 50 Women of Excellence Award from The New Pittsburgh Courier.