Eduardo Galván ’95, M.Ed.

2026 Distinguished Alumni Award for Professional Achievement: School of Education and Human Services

A lifelong educator and servant leader, Eduardo Galván, M.Ed. ’95, has devoted more than three decades to improving educational access, equity and opportunity for the children and families of Milwaukee. His journey—from educational assistant to Deputy Superintendent of Milwaukee Public Schools—reflects a career defined not by titles, but by relationships, humility and an unwavering belief in the power of education to transform lives.

Galván’s commitment to youth and community began long before his professional career. While still in high school, he worked in Milwaukee Recreation summer programs, serving children across the city. After graduating from Carroll, he chose public education as his life’s work, beginning in 1992 as an educational assistant at 27th Street School. His dedication and natural leadership soon led him into the classroom as a kindergarten teacher, where he quickly became known for building strong, trusting relationships with students and families—particularly within Milwaukee’s immigrant communities.

He later joined Greenfield Bilingual School, where his passion for culturally responsive education and community engagement continued to flourish. Galván was subsequently promoted to Assistant Principal and, in 2007, became Principal of Escuela Vieau, a bilingual K-8 school serving predominantly immigrant families. For the next eleven years, he led Escuela Vieau with a philosophy centered on community, collaboration and putting children first. Families, students and staff alike recall his presence as constant, compassionate and deeply human—someone who knew his students by name and understood their lives beyond the classroom.

In 2018, after years of encouragement from district leadership, Galván accepted the role of Regional Superintendent for Milwaukee Public Schools’ Southwest Region. In this position, he was widely recognized for his collaborative leadership style and his ability to mentor principals while strengthening school communities across the city. In 2024, Galván was appointed Interim Superintendent of Milwaukee Public Schools, Wisconsin’s largest school district. He now serves as Deputy Superintendent, continuing his lifelong mission of supporting students, educators and families.

During his tenure as Interim Superintendent, Galván provided steady, values-driven leadership to more than 69,000 students across 159 school sites. Under his stewardship, Milwaukee Public Schools experienced measurable progress, including increased student attendance, enrollment growth and reduced suspension rates—outcomes that reflect not only operational leadership, but a district culture grounded in care, belonging and high expectations.

Beyond the district, Galván has been a tireless advocate for partnership and access. He has represented MPS in collaborations with organizations such as Mexican Fiesta and Voces de la Frontera, supporting immigrant families and celebrating Milwaukee’s diverse communities. As one of the founding leaders of the M³ partnership—a collaborative initiative between Milwaukee Public Schools, Milwaukee Area Technical College and the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee—Galván helped build structured, city-wide pathways that support Milwaukee students from K-12 through college, expanding access, alignment and opportunity for postsecondary success. This work earned the partners recognition from the Wisconsin Policy Forum for intergovernmental cooperation.

At the heart of Galván’s leadership is mentorship. Whether working with kindergarteners, principals, or district administrators, his guiding philosophy has always been, “It’s not about me, it’s about we.” He is known for his calm presence, thoughtful decision-making and deep respect for every individual he serves. Colleagues consistently describe him as humble, principled and unwaveringly student-focused—someone who measures success not by personal achievement, but by the growth of others.

Galván’s work reflects Carroll University’s mission in action. His leadership embodies respect, integrity and stewardship. He builds inclusive communities, safeguards public trust and treats education as both a calling and a responsibility. Throughout Milwaukee, former students, parents and educators continue to seek him out—sharing stories, gratitude and memories that speak to the lasting impact of his presence in their lives.

See all the 2026 award recipients