CLIVE, Iowa - Lisa Remy, executive director of the School Administrators of Iowa (SAI) and former school superintendent for West Des Moines Community Schools, has received the 2025 UNI Educational Leadership Legacy Award. 

Each year, a graduate of the University of Northern Iowa principalship, superintendency or doctoral programs is honored for demonstrating exemplary educational leadership as a leader of learning, service and/or change. Sharon Dentlinger, associate professor of practice with the educational leadership faculty, presented Remy with the award on June 11, at her office in Clive, Iowa.  

“Lisa was the unanimous choice for this year's award,” Dentlinger said. “Not only has she had a storied professional career, she is also a go-to speaker in UNI leadership classes, presenting on such topics as motivating staff, creating a lasting vision and directing limited resources where they can have the most impact. She is one of the most recognizable and respected school leaders in Iowa and we are proud that she chose UNI for all of her training.”

Remy earned all of her degrees from UNI, beginning with a dual major in elementary education and middle level education with a Spanish endorsement, followed by her master’s in Spanish teaching, advanced studies certificates in principalship and superintendency and culminating in her doctorate in educational administration in 2009. 

Remy has been with SAI since 2022. During her tenure, Remy has been a leading voice regarding statewide education policy, has overseen record membership growth and added a new corporate partnership program. 

In remarks shared at the presentation, Brad Buck, superintendent at Waukee Community School District, said, “I have had the privilege to know and work with Lisa in a variety of contexts over the last 25-plus years. Through all of that time, Dr. Remy has proven to be an amazing leader. She is thoughtful, reflective, authentic and, perhaps most importantly, an excellent listener. Her heart has always been centered on what’s best for students and she has long been an advocate for innovation and improvement.” 

Remy began her career as a teacher at Hudson Community School District. She served in various principal and associate principal positions for Hudson and West Des Moines schools before being named associate superintendent of human resources for West Des Moines Community Schools in 2006. Remy then served as superintendent from 2013 to 2022. As superintendent, she and her team implemented project-based learning at all levels, added preschool opportunities to elementary schools and championed a technical education space at Valley Southwoods. 

The annual Educational Leadership Legacy Award was established with support of a gift from the family of Vernon Kirlin (‘46, BA), a longtime educator and school administrator, to honor his legacy of educational leadership.