The University of Arizona College of Education proudly congratulates the Curriculum Development Institute (CDI) team, led by our very own Dr. Judy Marquez Kiyama, on being named the recipient of the Collaborative Excellence Award from ACPA—College Student Educators International.

Since its pilot launch as the Culturally Relevant Curriculum Development Institute, CDI has made a remarkable impact across the university. To date, 191 faculty members from multiple colleges and disciplines have participated, collectively redesigning 195 courses to intentionally integrate culturally responsive content, teaching methods, assignments, and assessments. These efforts have already reached more than 78,000 students, with that number continuing to grow as many of these courses are taught year after year.

True to both the spirit of this award and Dr. Marquez Kiyama’s deeply held ethic of collaboration, this recognition honors the many faculty, staff, and partners whose collective contributions have made CDI such a powerful success. Each collaborator’s role and involvement are acknowledged as part of this shared achievement.

We are thrilled to celebrate Dr. Marquez Kiyama and the entire CDI team for this well-deserved honor. The CDI has been instrumental in advancing student success across the University of Arizona while strengthening our commitment to our land-grant mission and Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) designation.

Learn more about CDI