Jennifer Nebelsick Lowery is a third generation public school teacher and administrator. Dr. Lowery has served as the superintendent of schools for the Tea Area School District since June 2012. Jennifer and her husband, Brian, a science professor at the University of Sioux Falls, live in Tea, South Dakota with their three children (Daschle 16, Dawson 13, and Anniston 7).
Jennifer’s undergraduate is in secondary mathematics from Dakota Wesleyan University. She earned a master’s degree in Educational Psychology – Qualitative, Quantitate, and Psychometric Methods from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. Dr. Lowery earned her Educational Specialist in PK-12 Administration and a doctorate in School District Administration from the University of South Dakota.
In 2022, Jennifer was named Innovator of the Year by the South Dakota School Superintendent Association. In 2023, she was named South Dakota’s Outstanding Superintendent. Over the past decade under Dr. Lowery’s leadership, the Tea Area School District has more than doubled in size. The community has approved building over 78 elementary classrooms which includes two new elementary schools and a $39 million expansion to the current high school with nearly 85% voter approval. From the boardroom to the classroom, Dr. Lowery is committed to building systems of improvement across the district. Tea Area faculty, staff, and students are utilizing short cycles of improvement to engage and own their education and growth.
As Jennifer enters her second decade as superintendent of schools, she is committed to not only supporting her district but also serving as a mentor to her peers and future administrators. Dr. Lowery’s purpose is to pay-it-forward providing opportunities for others to be their best self and to model servant leadership for her children and community. She lives out her purpose as an adjunct professor for two universities, a guest speaker and presenter, a mentor to administrators across the state, a community volunteer, and a wife and mother.
Past AASA South Dakota Superintendent of the Year Winners:
2023 South Dakota Superintendent of the Year: Dr. Steve Willard
2021 South Dakota Superintendent of the Year: Terry Nebelsick
About the Award:
The Superintendent of the Year program, sponsored by First Student and AASA, pays tribute to the talent and vision of the men and women who lead the nation’s public schools.
State-level winners are selected on the following criteria:
-
- Leadership for Learning
- Communication
- Professionalism
- Community Involvement