Marymount University has announced Dr. Lisa Turissini, Professor of Education and former Director of the School of Education, as the recipient of the 2026 Faculty Halo Award, one of the institution’s highest honors.
She will be formally recognized at Marymount’s 75th Anniversary Celebration on Friday, October 17 from 5:30-6 pm in the Ballston Center Auditorium, as the University community gathers to celebrate her accomplishments and lasting impact.
“Lisa’s career has been defined by service, vision and an unwavering commitment to excellence,” said Dr. Irma Becerra, President of Marymount University. “She has prepared generations of Marymount Saints to enter classrooms ready to make a difference, and her legacy will continue to touch lives for years to come.”
With more than 20 years of service at Marymount, Dr. Turissini has helped shape the University’s School of Education into a national leader in preparing future educators and school leaders to serve in diverse communities. Reflecting on her selection for the Halo Award, she shared her gratitude and sense of shared accomplishment.
“When I first heard I was to receive the Faculty Halo Award, I think my heart skipped a beat,” Dr. Turissini said. “It was an amazing surprise, and I felt so lucky to even be considered. This award represents the journey I’ve shared with my colleagues and students over the course of two decades, and it reminds me that the work we do here is never done alone.”
She joined Marymount in 2004 following 15 years as a teacher, school principal and executive vice president of schools for a nonprofit organization. After serving as Education Coordinator for the Education master’s program at Marymount’s Reston Center, she became Chair of the Education Department in 2013 and later Director of the School of Education from 2020 to 2024.
Under Dr. Turissini’s leadership, the School of Education—housed within the College of Health and Education—strengthened and expanded its academic offerings across all levels of learning, from early childhood education to doctoral studies. It offers nationally accredited programs with undergraduate teacher licensure in Elementary Education and Special Education. Graduate students can pursue master’s degrees with licensure in Elementary Education, Secondary Education, Special Education and Administration and Supervision, while professionals seeking advanced leadership training can enroll in the online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Organizational Innovation, which welcomes new cohorts each fall and spring semester.
During her tenure as Director, Marymount’s Early Learning Academy—one of Dr. Turissini’s signature initiatives—launched in 2023. This groundbreaking early childhood program provides preschoolers with immersive, research-based learning experiences designed by Marymount faculty experts in disciplines such as psychology, health sciences and education. It also offers Marymount students invaluable opportunities to observe, research and engage in real-world educational practice.
“The collaborative development and launch of both of these projects have been labors of love,” Dr. Turissini explained, referencing the Early Learning Academy and Ed.D. program. “It really demonstrates how we’re able to nurture and teach students from preschool all the way up through doctoral studies.”
“The School of Education’s mission has always been to prepare students to serve in diverse communities,” said Dr. Jessica Marotta, current Director of the School of Education. “Under Dr. Turissini’s leadership, our programs have reflected that commitment—from our master’s program in Administration and Supervision to the Ed.D. program, which has attracted and empowered a diverse group of scholars who are now leading and making an impact.”
In addition to her teaching areas—including teacher preparation, literacy across the curriculum and instructional methods—Dr. Turissini’s research explores peer coaching in the professoriate, educational leadership and the scholarship of teaching and learning. She also serves as a site visitor for the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), helping maintain and elevate national standards in teacher education.
“She is an ardent champion of our students, the faculty, the School of Education and, quite frankly, the entire Marymount University community,” said Dr. Shannon Melideo, Professor of Practice. “She’s authentic, pragmatic and empowering, and is a catalyst for positive change.”
“Dr. Turissini has an incredible ability to inspire and empower others,” added Dr. Nicci Dowd, Assistant Professor of Education. “When I first met her as a new assistant professor, she asked me about my own research goals—something no supervisor had ever done before. That simple, genuine question made me feel seen, valued and capable. Her authenticity and encouragement truly embody her commitment to excellence.”
Looking ahead, Dr. Turissini remains focused on Marymount’s future and the next generation of educators and school leaders.
“I want to continue learning and growing and provide opportunities for others,” she said. “I would really like to see the Early Learning Academy expand so we can offer its lab school preschool experience to more Arlington families. I also still want to continue mentoring colleagues and students who will become the next generation of teachers.”
Dr. Turissini earned her Ed.D. from Nova Southeastern University and both her M.B.A. and B.S. from St. John’s University.
