Gilbert Michaud Receives Outstanding College Educator Award

Gilbert Michaud, Assistant Professor of Environmental Policy in the School of Environmental Sustainability (SES) at Loyola University Chicago, has received the 2026 REpowering Schools Outstanding College Educator Award. This honor recognizes his contributions to renewable energy education and his dedication to preparing students to address today’s critical energy and climate challenges. 

Presented by REpowering Schools in collaboration with KidWind, the Renewable Energy Education Awards honor educators and leaders nationwide who advance renewable energy education. The awards highlight those who engage students and communities through meaningful, real-world learning experiences that prepare the next generation of renewable energy and environmentalist professionals. 

The award places Michaud among a national group of educators recognized for advancing renewable energy education. The 2026 nominees represent a wide range of institutions and communities and are recognized for hands-on learning, student engagement, mentorship, workforce development, and expanding access to renewable energy education. 

For Michaud, this recognition reflects a teaching approach that goes beyond the traditional classroom. Through courses such as Introduction to Environmental Law & Policy and Energy Law & Policy, he encourages students to connect environmental policy and legal frameworks with the practical challenges of the renewable energy sector. 

This real-world focus was central to the nominations submitted by SES students Megan Gauthier (MS ’27) and Olivia Bergenholtz (BS ’27). They highlighted Michaud’s ability to combine rigorous coursework with engaging instruction and projects that extend beyond the university. 

One student’s nomination described Michaud as “simply an incredible instructor,” noting the balance of rigor, instruction, and enjoyment in his courses. The nomination shared that projects completed in his classes resulted in polished, publishable work focused on meaningful climate solutions and were among the most practically applicable projects completed at Loyola. These projects also helped the student secure internship opportunities. 

Michaud’s dedication to helping students build professional connections was also emphasized. Beyond course assignments, he connects students with industry professionals and organizations, providing opportunities to expand their networks and explore careers in environmental policy and renewable energy. 

The second nomination echoed this impact, praising his ability to make complex subjects accessible and to create an engaging learning environment where students retain material and develop stronger passions and career goals. 

Together, the nominations highlight a central element of Michaud’s teaching philosophy: renewable energy education is most meaningful when students see how their learning applies to the world around them. 

This award also serves to recognize Michaud’s and SES’ commitment to creating opportunities for students to engage with the policy, legal, and social aspects of the transition to clean energy. 

“I believe this is a testament to Loyola’s continued efforts in renewable energy investment and education,” Michaud said. 

As renewable energy reshapes industries, communities, and public policy, educators play a vital role in preparing students for this transition. Through hands-on projects, career connections, and coursework that bridges theory with real-world challenges, Michaud’s work shows how higher education can help students move from learning about climate and energy challenges to developing their own solutions. 

The 2026 Outstanding College Educator Award is national recognition of that work, but its clearest measure of impact comes from the students who experience it firsthand.