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Pepperdine Superintendent of the Year Award Honors GSEP Adjunct Professor

GSEP Dean Margaret Weber, left, with McClain

 

Sharon L. McClain, an adjunct faculty member at the Graduate School of Education and Psychology (GSEP), has been awarded the 2008-09 Pepperdine University Superintendent of the Year Award. She was presented with the award at the fifth annual Pepperdine Superintendent Advisory Council Dinner on Wednesday, Jan. 28, held in Monterey, California.

McClain has taught in the Educational Leadership Academy at GSEP for several years, and is the superintendent of Del Mar Union High School District. She was chosen for her dedication to education, and as the embodiment of the University mission of service, purpose, and leadership.

"McClain has been an outstanding superintendent and supporter of Pepperdine University," said John Fitzpatrick, superintendent-in-residence at GSEP. "McClain is a dedicated and student-centered professor, committed to the students of her school district and to the future educational leaders whom we are nurturing here at GSEP. She is extremely deserving of this honor."

Of this recognition, she commented, "I'm very excited and honored to receive this award. I know so many wonderful superintendents and feel humbled to be recognized by the Pepperdine faculty. It has been a privilege to teach at Pepperdine, and I admire its fine work on behalf of educators and children."

The Pepperdine Superintendent Advisory Council is comprised of California superintendents and school leaders, and utilizes Pepperdine University as a forum to discuss issues that concern superintendents and their schools. GSEP also provides professional development activities for the Council's members.

McClain assumed the role of superintendent of the Del Mar Union School District in September 2008. Previously, she led the Hermosa Beach City School District, which received the California Distinguished Schools and National Blue Ribbon Schools titles during her tenure. She also served as superintendent of Mesa Union School District and as assistant superintendent of educational services and human resources at the Ojai Unified School District.

McClain earned her Ed. D. in Educational Leadership from the University of LaVerne. She is a member of the Urban Superintendents' Association of America, Community Leadership Council for Boys and Girls Clubs, and received the California Congress of PTA Continuing Service Award.

For more information about the Pepperdine University Superintendent Advisory Council, visit the GSEP Web site.