Rob Neier '76 Receives 'Educator of the Year' Award

May 31, 2003

May 31, 2003, Greencastle, Ind. - Rob Neier, assistant superintendent of Mill Creek Schools in Hendricks County, Indiana, and the recipient of a master's degree in elementary education from DePauw University in 1976, is the eighth recipient of the Mill Creek Optimist Club's Educator of the Year Award. An article in the Indianapolis Star notes that Neier "was selected 'not for a single act but for an accumulation' of contributions, said Dick Dietz, chairman of the club's community service committee. 'He's had a long career of giving to the Mill Creek educational organization and is very well spoken of throughout the community.'"

Neier tells the newspaper, "It's quite an honor. There have been eight educators of the year, and it's a pretty elite group." Donald H. Stinson, the former Mill Creek superintendent, is one of the elite eight, and was among those who nominated Neier for the award. "Stinson noted in his nomination letter, 'Today, many adults take great pride in proclaiming that 'Mr. Neier was my kindergarten teacher.' ' Stinson said Neier was a pioneer and role model for kindergarten students. As principal, he implemented numerous innovative classroom and teacher development programs. 'Rob is totally dedicated to the Mill Creek community,' Stinson said. 'He takes great pride in providing positive leadership for the people he loves.'"