Nixa Superintendent Gearl Loden was named a finalist for the 2025 Superintendent of the Year award, showcasing his outstanding leadership in education.
Influencer Award Recognized by National Association of School Superintendents
Loden was also presented with the Influencer Award by the National Association of School Superintendents at their meeting on September 10 in Chicago, celebrating his commitment to fostering innovation, strong community engagement, and professional growth.
Leadership and Accomplishments
Loden, who has been with Nixa since 2018, is a leadership coach, speaker, and founder of the Loden Leadership and Consulting Group. He has coached superintendents and aspiring leaders nationwide.
His contributions include launching a free biweekly leadership newsletter, publishing thought leadership articles, and presenting internationally. This month, he will also debut a free quarterly online masterclass series for superintendents and future leaders.
Honored for Excellence in Leadership and Education
Loden’s leadership has led to recognition of several Nixa schools for academic excellence, including Mathews Elementary and Nixa High School, which were honored as National Blue Ribbon Schools. His career in public education began in 1991, and prior to his work in Missouri, he was named Mississippi Superintendent of the Year.
Additional Missouri Leadership Recognitions
The National Association of School Superintendents also honored other Missouri educators, including:
- Tim Dilg, Valley Park, for leadership in small districts
- Will Darter, Everton, for leadership in small districts
- Ken Schutten, McDonald District, for excellence in communication and community engagement
- Yaw Obeng, Hickman Mills, for excellence in safety and security
Gearl Loden’s Educational Background
Loden holds a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Mississippi and continues to make significant strides in improving educational systems across the United States.
