Graduate Named Superintendent of Iowa School District
Matthew Wendt, a doctoral graduate of the College of Education and Health Professions, has been hired as the new superintendent of the Ankeny, Iowa, school district. Ankeny is a town just north of Des Moines.
Wendt, 38, will leave his position as assistant superintendent for learning in Pittsburg (Kan.) Community Schools to become the Ankeny superintendent in July. Wendt was the unanimous choice among school board members and community focus groups, according to the Des Moines Register.
The Department of Educational Leadership, Counseling and Foundations awarded Wendt the 2005 Dissertation of the Year, and he also won the 2005 S.D. Shankland Award, one of six highly competitive scholarships given by the American Association of School Administrators.
Wendt had been assistant superintendent of the southeastern Kansas school district for several years when he began commuting to Fayetteville to earn a doctor of education degree.
"Having the experience gained at the University of Arkansas, I am now a better school administrator and person," Wendt said. "My leadership skills have truly been enhanced as a former student of the university professors and adjunct teaching faculty, including Dr. Carleton Holt, Dr. Roland Smith, Dr. Jim Rollins and Dr. Benny Gooden. My preparation, research and time on campus were all worth the out-of-state expense. I have greatly benefited from earning my Ed.D. degree from such a student-centered and research-focused university.
"Thank you for changing my life."