Northwestern College appoints Adams to leadership roles

Russ Adams, the retiring superintendent of the MOC-Floyd Valley Community School District, has been named to two leadership positions at Northwestern College. He will serve as director of the Master of Education program in educational administration and as assistant director of the Center for Innovation & Leadership.

Adams will begin his new roles on Aug. 1 after retiring from MOC-Floyd Valley in June following 11 years as superintendent. The 2020-21 Iowa Superintendent of the Year, he previously served as principal of MOC-Floyd Valley High School from 2003 to 2013. He was recognized as the 2009 Iowa Secondary Principal of the Year and a 2003 recipient of the prestigious Milken Educator Award.

“We are blessed to bring Russ on board,” says Dr. Jill Swisher, dean of Northwestern’s Graduate and Professional Studies division. “He is a distinguished and forward-thinking administrator who leads with a humble attitude and heart for the Lord. As a seasoned superintendent and longtime supporter of Northwestern, he will be an asset to our program and its students.”

Adams, who has been an instructor in Northwestern’s online educational administration master’s program, will also serve the Center for Innovation & Leadership in a number of ways. His role will include directing the Accelerate Siouxland leadership program, serving as a Franklin Covey trainer, and continuing partnerships with stakeholders both on- and off-campus.

“With his extensive experience and dedication to the mission of Northwestern College, we are confident Russ will play a pivotal role in advancing our goals and serving organizations and communities in our region,” says Dr. Erica Vonk, director of the Center for Innovation & Leadership. “His passion for leadership, along with the heart of a teacher, make a great combination for training and development needs.” 

“I couldn’t be more excited about joining the Northwestern College team,” says Adams. “I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to serve in areas where I can draw from my professional experiences as well as my passion for education and leadership. On top of that, I am blessed to work with and get to know a new group of amazing people.”

Before joining the MOC-Floyd Valley Community School District, Adams was a principal in the Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn and Springville, Iowa, districts, as well as a teacher/coach at Southern Cal High School in Lake City, Iowa. His leadership efforts have also included serving on the boards of the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union, Iowa High School Speech Association, Orange City Area Health System, Orange City Area Daycare/Preschool, and Orange City Economic Development Board.

Adams earned a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Northern Iowa and then completed a master’s degree in education at Drake University. He also holds a superintendent’s certificate from Iowa State University.