USD's Division of Educational Leadership to Host 'Leadership in Action' Learning Series
This free Zoom series will feature leaders from across the region and state of South Dakota, sharing insights on key topics such as school improvement, systems of support, relational trust, policy, and promoting joy in education.
“At USD, we built ‘Leadership in Action’ to be grounded in the day-to-day actions and decisions of school district leadership,” said Dave Barker, assistant professor of practice in the Division of Educational Leadership. “Colleagues from across the state bring a wide array of experiences, discuss their work and provide learning opportunities through their successes and challenges. If you’re a district or building leader, or hope to someday be one, this is worth putting on your calendar.”
As the only SDBOR university to offer a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership, USD is proud of the many graduates who have gone on to lead the state as superintendents and principals. “Leadership in Action” is a way to inspire current and future educational leaders across South Dakota and beyond.
School leaders, district administrators, aspiring leaders, educators and anyone passionate about strengthening leadership and learning are invited to attend.
Session dates and guest speakers and are as follows:
- Oct.1 – Terry Lundeen, high school principal at Rapid City Area schools.
- Oct. 29 – Nora Antoine, Ph.D., state director for a national nonprofit dedicated to leadership development.
- Nov. 19 – Jennifer Lowery, Ed.D. ’14, ’09, superintendent of the Harrisburg School District in South Dakota.
- Dec. 10 – James Nold, Ed.D. ’18, superintendent of the Sioux Falls School District.
Each session will begin at 5 p.m. CST and last one hour (a 45-minute presentation with a 15-minute Q&A).
As the sessions unfold, participants are reminded of the resilience and impact of today’s educators.
“Leading today is not easy, yet every day we see powerful examples of educators stepping up to inspire and make a difference,” said Erin Lehmann, Ed.D., associate professor in the Division of Educational Leadership and program coordinator for the educational doctorate program.
“‘Leadership in Action’ creates space for leaders to come together, share what’s working and learn from one another,” Lehmann continued. “It’s designed for leaders, by leaders, bringing real-world experiences, practical insights and authentic stories that remind us of the joy and purpose at the heart of education. USD’s School of Education is proud to host this series as part of its commitment to elevating and celebrating the great work happening in schools across the state and region.”
If interested in attending, please join the Zoom sessions at: Usd.Zoom.Us/j/96484952019.
For more information, please contact [email protected].
About the USD School of Education
The USD School of Education prepares students to be leaders across education and human development. As South Dakota’s flagship university, USD partners with K-12 districts, communities, and organizations to strengthen education throughout the state and region. To learn more about programs in teaching, counseling, leadership, and human services, visit the USD School of Education webpage.
About “Leadership in Action” Guest Speakers
Terry Lundeen – Lundeen brings extensive experience in education, having taught from sixth grade through the college senior level. Known for his practical approach to complex challenges, he is rapidly building trust and fostering hope within the greater Rapid City, South Dakota community. Grounded in CliftonStrengths and positive psychology, Lundeen cultivates strong teams and provides personalized support to more than 130 teacher-leaders.
Nora Antoine, Ph.D., Sicangu Lakota – Antoine has contributed extensively to civic and educational leadership, serving on local, national, and Tribal boards, commissions, and committees. She has also held elected office and continues to utilize her regional connections and relationships to support community helpers and leaders for the betterment of communities-writ large.
Jennifer Lowery, Ed.D. ’14, ’09 – Lowery brings deep experience in educational leadership, with a commitment to advancing student achievement through strategic vision, innovation, and collaboration. She earned her Doctorate in Educational Administration and Specialist in PK-12 Principal Leadership from USD, along with a master’s in educational psychology from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Lowery is dedicated to developing leadership capacity at all levels of an organization and creating systems that support continuous improvement.
James Nold, Ed.D. ’18 - Nold has served in the field of education for more than 30 years, earning degrees from USD, SDSU, the University of Sioux Falls, and Augustana University, where he also competed in collegiate wrestling. Deeply committed to expanding opportunities for children, he twice led education teams to Ethiopia to establish English literacy programs in underserved schools. Nold continues his leadership in South Dakota schools while supporting his family, including his wife Tammy, a school counselor, and their two children.
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