Gonzaga Prep is known for its outstanding faculty who not only teach our students but also ensure that every student is known, loved, and seen. Each year, two educators are recognized for excellence in their craft.
DR. JACK AND MARILYN MCKENNA TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Gonzaga Prep’s Teacher of the Year for 2025 is Vanessa Mudd
This year’s Teacher of the Year has been a member of Prep’s faculty for 9 years, teaching all levels of courses within her department. She has served as a department chair for four years.
A Boston Red Sox fan, she holds a BA in English and BA in Religious Studies from Colby College as well as a master's in Theological Studies from Harvard Divinity School. She previously worked at Boston College High, a sister school of ours, before starting here as the Director of Campus Ministry. She moved back into full classroom teaching and became the department chair for Theology.
One of her colleagues says this about her:
“Vanessa's work in curriculum development has greatly impacted the work of the theology department. Her depth of theological knowledge, expertise in classroom instruction, and care for her students have been invaluable to her colleagues. As a leader, Vanessa is an intentional listener, collaborator, and steady guide in matters of both instruction and our Jesuit mission. Vanessa is deeply committed to the Ignatian identity of Gonzaga Prep in her words, actions, and spirit.”
The Dr. Jack and Marilyn McKenna Teacher of the Year Award. Dr. and Ms. McKenna were great supporters of Gonzaga Prep whose 2 foster children and 9 biological children all graduated from Prep. The McKennas had a special appreciation for the hard work and dedication of Prep’s faculty.
JSN IGNATIAN EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR
Krista is a 2004 alumna of Prep and has taught for 17 years. She holds a Bachelor of Science with minors in Biology and Religious Studies from Santa Clara. She holds a masters in Transformational Leadership from LMU with additional coursework in pastoral studies. She is our Director of Campus Ministry, impacting every aspect of the religious formation for our students and adults.
One of her colleagues says this about Krista: “This woman combines faith, intelligence, clarity, organization, dedication, passion, work ethic, and a whole slew of other nouns for upwards of 14, 16, 18 hours a day, every day. However, it is not the hours she puts in, which are extensive; it is the Christ-centered, mission-driven love she puts into every second of those hours. She has re-shaped Campus Ministry and has renewed a vibrancy that is impacting countless students. She is every part of the Profile inside and outside of Prep.”
The JSN Educator of the Year award was established by Gonzaga Prep in 2003 to recognize the work of a person at Gonzaga Prep whose efforts have helped to maintain and improve our identity as a Christian academic institution devoted to inspiring leaders who create a more just and loving world.