For Immediate Release: August 18, 2016
Contact: Renée Rybak Lang, 703.740.4841, reneerl@nasbe.org
State Board of Education Members Rosie Hussey, Kenneth Willard, and Patricia Willoughby Receive National Public Service Award
Alexandria, Va. — The National Association for State Boards of Education is pleased to announce that state education leaders from Iowa, Kansas, and North Carolina have been named recipients of NASBE’s 2016 Distinguished Service Award. This national award honors state board members who have made exceptional contributions to education and is given to three outstanding leaders each year.
Rosie Hussey, a 12-year member of the Iowa State Board of Education, was board president from 2008 to 2014. Under her leadership, the board adopted the Common Core State Standards, as well as the Iowa Quality Infant and Toddler Program and English Language Proficiency Standards, and it approved essential concepts and skills for Iowa’s Core Curriculum in grades K-8 social studies, 21st century skills, and the K-12 process skills in mathematics.
“Rosie is a true leader,” said Iowa State Board President Charlie Edwards. “One of her greatest accomplishments as board president was her focus on how the board could function better as a team to make decisions with the best interests of Iowa students in mind. Today’s board works well as a team thanks to Rosie’s focus on improving and respecting board member relationships.”
Hussey was executive director of the Girl Scout Council of North Iowa. She served as a trustee at North Iowa Area Community College for 13 years and has been actively involved with many other boards and community activities.
Kenneth Willard has been a member of the Kansas State Board of Education since 2003 and is currently serving a fourth term. An active member of NASBE, he served on NASBE’s board of directors as president, central area director, and most recently secretary/ treasurer. Willard has held several committee leadership roles on the state board, including serving on the Governor’s Efficiency Task Force since 2012 and as a state board legislative liaison since 2011. Under his leadership the committee developed guidelines and regulations on deaf education, in addition to other initiatives.
“Ken has been a strong and consistent voice for Kansas students and parents, and a champion for equity and excellence in public education,” says Kansas Board Chairman Jim McNiece. “He is a well-respected board member on both sides of the aisle for his ability to lead and bring people together to find common ground in a sometimes negative legislative environment: He was certainly instrumental in the state board’s efforts to provide a new vision for education in Kansas.”
Willard, a US Navy Vietnam veteran, retired from the insurance business after 33 years and is active in his church and with school and community organizations.
Patricia (Tricia) Willoughby has served on the North Carolina State Board of Education for nearly 16 years and is a life-long educator. She has held many leadership roles on the board, including committee chair, committee co-chair, committee vice chair, and as a member of special committees and task forces. In 2004, Willoughby served as North Carolina’s first woman state superintendent of public instruction. She was executive director of the NC Business Committee for Education (NCBCE), a classroom teacher, and a faculty member at Meredith College, where she directed the elementary education program and taught courses to pre-service teachers.
“Tricia is steadfast in the belief that ‘It’s about the children,’ ” says North Carolina Board Chairman William (Bill) Cobey. “These words both drive and motivate her discussions and positions on topics before the board, and her accomplishments are a testament to that.”
Willoughby’s work on the board’s Global Education Task Force led to cutting-edge programs and policies that enable schools, school systems, and teachers to earn global-ready designations. Through community collaboration and partnerships, she has brought attention to improving children’s health and wellness. Her efforts in educator preparation led to a revisioning of teacher education programs and more robust requirements for elementary education licensure in North Carolina.
“These three Distinguished Service Award winners exemplify the leadership and commitment of state board of education members nationwide. Their service has truly made a difference for children,” said Kristen Amundson, executive director of NASBE.
The 2016 Distinguished Service Awards will be presented this October at NASBE’s national conference in Kansas City, Missouri. Learn more about the conference.
The National Association of State Boards of Education represents America’s state and territorial boards of education. Our principal objectives are to strengthen state leadership in education policymaking; advocate equality of access to educational opportunity; promote excellence in the education of all students; and ensure responsible lay governance of education. Learn more at www.nasbe.org
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