Lisa McCane named KEDC Superintendent of the Year

Graduates from Morehead State's Ernst & Sara Lane Volgenau College of Education have gone on to make incredible impacts in education as both instructors and administrators. This includes Lisa McCane (Class of 1994, 1996, 1998), superintendent at Augusta Independent School District, who recently received one of the state's highest honors for her work as an administrator.

The Kentucky Education Development Corporation (KEDC), Kentucky's oldest and largest educational cooperative, named McCane as a Superintendent of the Year for 2024. She was one of two superintendents in Kentucky to receive this KEDC honor. She received a nomination from colleagues and peers and was shocked to receive the recognition.

"When I learned I had earned the honor of Superintendent of the Year, I was utterly shocked because I had no idea I was even nominated," McCane said. "To realize that my esteemed colleagues selected me for this recognition was truly overwhelming. Having my administrative team, board chair, and family there to share in that moment made it all the more special. It's something that will stand as a high note in my career, and I will always cherish."

Growing up in eastern Kentucky in Vanceburg, McCane said she had limited exposure to a variety of occupations but was fortunate to have teachers close to her, including her mother, Mary Sue Burton Roberts (Class of 1986), and relatives of close friends. She said witnessing their dedication, compassion and commitment made an impression on her.

"They inspired me to pursue a career where I could contribute to the lives of others in the same meaningful way they influenced mine," she said. "Their example instilled in me a deep appreciation for the power of education and the vital role educators play in shaping lives and communities."

McCane chose to pursue her college education at Morehead State University because of its proximity to home and the sense of familiarity, the safe campus, and the reputation of its teaching programs. She first earned a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education in 1994, eventually returning to MSU to earn a Master of Arts in Guidance Counseling in 1996 and a Master of Arts in Instructional Leadership in 1998. She also earned certifications as director of pupil personnel and school superintendent.

The decision to continue her education and veer toward administration occurred when she was a first-year teacher at Lewis County Schools. McCane was influenced by the impact of her best friend's aunt, a fourth-grade teacher and later middle school guidance counselor in Lewis County. She eventually became a guidance counselor and later assistant principal for Mason County Schools before becoming principal at Augusta Independent Schools.

"It wasn't until I became principal at Augusta Independent that the superintendent and director of district services urged me to pursue my superintendent certification," McCane said of her journey to becoming a superintendent. "Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to have incredible mentors who recognized and encouraged my leadership abilities. Their guidance, paired with my desire to influence teaching, learning and support a school community, ultimately led me to pursue a role as superintendent."

Despite the occasional challenges that come with overseeing a smaller rural school district when it comes to limited resources and achievement gaps, McCane said the most significant benefit of being a school superintendent is the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on students, staff, and the community-at-large while shaping the vision and direction of the district. Now in her 14th year as superintendent and three decades in education, she said her years at MSU were some of the most crucial to her past and current success.

"Morehead State University's strong teacher preparation program laid the foundation for my career in education. The program provided me with the skills, knowledge, and hands-on experience needed to excel as a teacher and later as a leader. The emphasis on practical application, effective teaching and learning practices, and leadership development helped shape my approach to fostering student success and leading with purpose."

To learn more about MSU's Volgenau College of Education and its programs, email ad.miller@moreheadstate.edu or call 606-783-2845.