The Educational Policy Leadership Center (EPLC) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 Educational Policy Leadership Program Alumni Award, presented annually to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in education policy following their participation in an EPLC leadership program.
This year’s distinguished honorees include:
- Dr. Lara Luetkehans, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Indiana University of Pennsylvania
- Shileste Overton Morris, Director of the Center for Schools and Communities and Chief Programs Officer at the Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit
- Dr. Bryan O’Black, Superintendent of Shaler Area School District
- Brian Pawling, Business Administrator for Radnor Township School District and President of the Pennsylvania Association of School Business Officials
These leaders were selected by the EPLC Board of Directors for their significant contributions to education policy and practice in Pennsylvania and beyond.
In addition, EPLC was honored to present the 2025 Donley-Cowell Education Leadership Award to David W. Volkman in recognition of his exemplary service to public education spanning more than five decades. Mr. Volkman’s career includes roles as classroom teacher, secondary principal, assistant superintendent, and superintendent of schools for the Susquehanna Township School District. He later served as Deputy Secretary of Education and Special Advisor to the Secretary of Education at the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
EPLC celebrates these individuals for their enduring commitment to educational excellence and leadership.