KEARNEY – The Educational Administration Department at the University of Nebraska at Kearney recently recognized Mark Adler and Jeff Anderson with the Leaders in Education and Service Award.
Individuals selected for this award are graduates of UNK’s educational administration program who have demonstrated diligence and success as school administrators. Nominations come from previous award winners and focus on distinguished service in the administrative field. The award was initiated in 1991 by leadership within the program.
Adler is in his ninth year as superintendent of Ralston Public Schools after serving in various roles in Nebraska schools. Originally from Hastings, he served six years in the United States Army prior to attending Kearney State College and UNK as a first-generation college student.
Adler has been very active in his district, community and state through the Nebraska Council of School Administrators (NCSA), Greater Nebraska Superintendents Association, Ralston Leadership Academy, Ralston Area Chamber of Commerce and the Elks. He was recognized as the NCSA Superintendent of the Year in 2019. Adler and his wife Joni have spoken with more than 30,000 people about bullying, appropriate use of technology, suicide and spreading kindness and hope through the #bekind movement in honor of their late son Reid.
Anderson, who began his educational career in Minnesota, has served as superintendent of Fullerton Public Schools since 2001 after completing his educational specialist degree through UNK. During his 20 years as a superintendent and an additional seven years as a principal, also in Fullerton, Anderson has been very active in his community and at the state level. He’s served as a member of the NCSA and Fullerton Park Board, as well as president of the local TeamMates board and Fullerton Area Chamber of Commerce.
Fullerton Elementary was named a National Blue Ribbon School in 2016 and Anderson has been awarded the Fullerton Honorary “F” Award by the High School Letter Club.
