National, State Award-Winners Fuel Carroll's Educational Leadership Program

Carroll University's Master of Science in Educational Leadership program is in terrific hands as it seeks to create transformative future leaders in schools. The program boasts the involvement of a pair of 2024 award-winning administrators on the national and state levels who lead by example.

The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) named Andy Farley the 2024 National Secondary Principal of the Year. Farley, Brookfield East High School (BEHS) principal, is a Carroll graduate program adjunct professor. In teaching master's level coursework at Carroll, Farley helps foster and develop a pool of educational leaders from the university.

"Connecting with students, families and educators is Andy's superpower. He has an innate ability to lead a learning organization focused on human and academic excellence," said Kathy Kramer, dean of Carroll's School of Education and Human Services. "He is a thoughtful, creative leader who cares deeply and works relentlessly to make schools a place of success and belonging for every learner. Carroll has been fortunate to have Andy as an adjunct faculty member working alongside educators who aspire to be leaders in their schools and classrooms. Our graduate students learn from the best."

Niche.com has named BEHS the top public high school in Wisconsin for three straight years, which isn't coincidental. In giving Farley this year's award, the NASSP website states, "At the heart of Farley's vision lies a deep commitment to the whole-student experience, underscored by a school culture firmly rooted in the mission of 'Dedicated to Academic and Human Excellence.' This applies to his work with Carroll University, too.

Farley recently spoke to about 50 people on Nov. 5, many students in Carroll's Educational Leadership program, during their regular monthly weekend class. Farley shared his knowledge and expertise, as well as his leadership journey, with the audience. He stresses the importance of vocational programs and STEM offerings as a key to success from high school into college and, ultimately, finding a career path. Farley also took time for questions and discussion with the students after presenting his thoughts to the group, including a few key takeaways:

• Believe in the paramount importance of building meaningful relationships, especially demonstrating care and support.
• Believe in the power of transformational cultures where all feel safe and stretched throughout the learning/growth process.
• Trust in the power of focus and leadership at all levels by setting clear goals, guiding the team and encouraging their development.
• Prioritize student learning and engagement and continuously improve teaching and communication for a compelling vision.

Dr. Mark Hansen, Farley's superintendent, was also there to celebrate the award with Carroll students and discuss Farley's trajectory as a standout school leader. Hansen should recognize talent as he was named the Wisconsin Superintendent of the Year for 2024. Hansen is the Educational Leadership program facilitator and Superintendent of Elmbrook Schools. Hansen was recognized for his commitment to public education and valuable connections between students and leadership in high schools and colleges.

"Dr. Mark Hansen is a leader committed to making a positive impact by providing opportunities for students, families and communities to experience educational excellence," said Kramer. "He works tirelessly to address the many challenges that face education today, and he does it with fierce optimism and creative solutions. He is also one of the architects of Carroll's Educational Leadership program, has been a facilitator in the program for over 10 years and worked with hundreds of aspiring leaders. He is enormously valuable to Carroll University's education programs."

Kramer noted how special it was to have both leaders share their experiences and expertise regularly with Carroll students. And Sunday was especially fun as the gentlemen could be honored for their accomplishments. Hansen expressed his gratitude as well.

"I'm incredibly grateful and humbled by this award, which I believe is a reflection of the work of our talented staff and the accomplishments of our incredible students," Hansen said.

Both Farley and Hansen play integral roles in Carroll's Educational Leadership program, where interest continues to grow. Programs are project and performance-based learning opportunities to support students' knowledge, skills and dispositions for educational leadership. To learn more about what the program offers, visit the Educational Leadership page.