UNI Educational Leadership

08/17/2026

Congratulations to Robin Foster, elementary principal in the Mid-Prairie School District! Today, Robin received the 2026 UNI Educational Leadership Legacy Award.

This annual award recognizes graduates of UNI Educational Leadership programs who demonstrate exemplary practice of our program’s Core Values of Leadership of Learning, Service and Change.

08/05/2026

Are you attending the School Administrators of Iowa Conference today? Come down to the vendor hall, booth 431, and say hello!

07/29/2026

Congratulations to Jordan and all of our alumni starting new roles in July!

07/14/2026

Congratulations, Ashley!

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Waterloo Board of Education Approves Ashley Clark as New Assistant Principal of Central Middle School 🏫

The Waterloo Community Schools Board of Education officially approved the appointment of Ashley Clark as the new Assistant Principal of Central Middle School during its meeting on Monday, July 13. Clark, a Waterloo native, brings over a decade of diverse educational experience, a strong background in equity-focused leadership, and a deep commitment to student success. ❤️ Most recently, she served as the Lead Teacher at Becker Elementary during the past school year. 🍎

Throughout her tenure with Waterloo Community Schools, Clark has specialized in data-driven decision-making, curriculum development, and collaborative coaching. 💡 She has been instrumental in mentoring new educators, designing professional development programs, and facilitating crucial community and family partnerships. Her background also includes extensive international and cultural engagement, having spent time developing curriculum and bridging linguistic barriers for public schools in Kofu, Japan.

"We are excited to welcome Ashley Clark to the Central Middle School leadership team as our new Assistant Principal," said Neldrekka Whitaker, Principal of Central Middle School. 🎙️ "Ashley brings extensive expertise in special education, urban education, supporting diverse learners, and utilizing data-driven, research-based practices to improve student outcomes. She has a heart for our students, families, and community that drives her to lead collaboratively with all stakeholders. I know that Ashley's leadership will have a positive impact on the achievement and goals of our Central community." 🌟

Clark holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Drake University, a Master of Arts in Teaching from Morningside University, and an Advanced Studies Certificate in educational leadership from the University of Northern Iowa. ✏️ Her extensive licensure endorsements include instructional strategies I and II, English as a Second Language (ESL), and PK-12 principal administration.

"I am incredibly honored and excited to take on this new leadership role at Central Middle School," said Ashley Clark. ⚡ "As a proud graduate of Waterloo schools, this district is not just my professional home, but the place that shaped who I am today. I look forward to working closely with my mentor, Principal Whitaker, our dedicated educators, and the entire Central community. Together, we will continue to foster an inclusive, supportive, and high-achieving culture where everyone is empowered to reach their full potential. I look back on my time in middle school as some of the best of my life, and I cannot wait to be a part of that time for current Central Chargers." ⚡

Clark will officially assume her duties as Assistant Principal for the upcoming 2026–2027 school year.
Central Middle School-WCSD

07/11/2026

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Ready to take the next step into school leadership? Our Principalship MAE/ASC program prepares educators for PreK–12 principal and special education administrative roles — without pressing pause on your career. And with flexible enrollment, you can start any term.

What you can expect:
✅Entirely online in the fall and spring, with a brief on‑campus experience in the summer
✅Experienced, award‑winning faculty
✅Alignment to national leadership standards
✅Flexible start dates so you can begin when the time is right

Learn how UNI can help you lead with confidence:
👉online.uni.edu/principalship

07/01/2026

Join us in congratulating Dr. Amanda Schmidt!

Dr. Schmidt successfully defended her dissertation study entitled, "The Shared Superintendent in Iowa: Benefits, Challenges, and Lessons Learned Over the Last Thirty Years."

Also pictured is Amanda's dissertation committee: Dr. Mary Sult, Dr. Matt Townsley and Dr. Roark Horn

06/29/2026

This past week, I had the pleasure of meeting two cohorts of EdD students from the Educational Leadership track on campus for our annual Summer Residency. After many Zoom sessions, it was wonderful to finally meet these doctoral scholars in person. Beyond our conversations about dissertations and academic goals, I especially enjoyed talking about our families, summer plans, and professional journeys. A great reminder that meaningful learning begins with meaningful relationships.

06/24/2026

Thanks to our guest speaker, Ryan Christoffer, for presenting on MTSS/PLCs to our EDLEAD 6248 class today! What a great opportunity to learn from those on the front lines of Leadership! PANTHER PROUD!

06/19/2026

Photos from Day in the Office XIX (Season 19) for our on-campus aspiring principals.

To say that yesterday was memorable learning experience would be an understatement. Our aspiring building-level leaders from around Iowa (and beyond!) did a fantastic job working through some of the craziest and most unique situations from UNI Ed Lead grads/practitioners and UNI friends.

These actors continue to give up their time to come in support tomorrow’s school leaders. Thank you never seems enough, but THANK YOU!!

06/18/2026

Days one and two of principalship program seminar on campus included a focus on landing an administrator job, Iowa school finance 101, and preparing for Day in the Office.