University of Minnesota Rochester Chancellor Carrell Awarded Mayor’s Medal of Honor

Chancellor Lori J. Carrell has been awarded the Mayor’s Medal of Honor for Educational Excellence, one of Rochester’s highest distinctions. This honor underscores the University of Minnesota Rochester’s growing reputation as a leader in innovative, student‑centered education.

The Mayor’s Medal of Honor program recognizes extraordinary contributions across education, health, business, volunteerism, arts and civic engagement. In receiving the Educational Excellence award on Thursday, December 4, Chancellor Carrell’s leadership was celebrated not only for advancing education broadly, but for positioning UMR as a national model of innovation, compassion and relentless commitment to student success.

Since 2018, Carrell’s vision has expanded student success initiatives, strengthened community partnerships and elevated Rochester’s role as a hub for health sciences education. This recognition affirms UMR’s distinctive vision: empowering graduates to solve the grand health challenges of the 21st century. 

A nominee captured the Chancellor’s impact well: “Chancellor Carrell’s relentless pursuit of educational excellence and her ability to inspire those around her  make her deserving of this prestigious award.” 

For UMR, the honor reflects the collective achievements of its students, faculty and staff and reinforces the university’s vital role in the Rochester community.