achievements and accolades

  • Two-time "Teacher of the Year" at New Haven Community Schools

  • Majority Caucus Chairwoman - Michigan Senate

  • 2023 Alumni Hall of Fame Recipient - Flushing High School

  • 2023 Brandi Award - Animal Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan

  • 2022 Distinguished Government Service Award from the Ohio-Michigan Association of Career Colleges and Schools

  • 2021 MACUL and AT&T “Excellence in Education” Legislative Award

  • 2021 Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine “Legislative Leadership” Award

  • 2019 Child’s Hope “Child Advocate of the Year” Legislative Award

  • Honorary degree in Applied Arts and Sciences from Schoolcraft College.

  • Holds State of Michigan School Administrator Certificate

  • Master's Degree in Teaching

  • Central Michigan University graduate - magna cum laude

  • Proud wife of Jim Walkup, Team Manager in manufacturing at Ford Motor Company