THIBODAUX, La. — A Nicholls State University professor was honored by Gov. John Bel Edwards today for the impact she has made on disabled students on campus.
Dr. Mary Breaud, assistant professor of education and coordinator of the Bridge to Independence Program, received the 2018 Governor’s Outstanding Leadership in Disabilities Award as Educator of the Year from the Governor’s Office of Disability Affairs. Dr. Breaud received the award at a ceremony held at the Old State Capitol in Baton Rouge.
“Receiving this award is an exciting and humbling experience,” Dr. Breaud said. “Working in the field of education for people with disabilities and being able to increase awareness and develop a program that helps individuals to achieve goals of independence in living and employment is and will be the most important and gratifying work for me in my life.”
Winners of the educator of the year are given to individuals who contribute significantly to educating students with disabilities in the community. These individuals demonstrate leadership in the field of educating people with disabilities, advance the impact of education and strong advocacy programs, motivate and inspire others, and positively influence students with disabilities.
Bridge to Independence assists students with intellectual disabilities or autism spectrum disorder with job and social skills. Nicholls’ program is one of only 50 programs in the United States certified by the U.S. Department of Education and the first in Louisiana.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 28, 2018
CONTACT: Jacob Batte, Media Relations and Publications Coordinator, 985.448.4141 or jacob.batte@www.nicholls.edu
