Jane Stavem, alumna of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Educational Administration program from the College of Education and Human Sciences, was approved as the deputy commissioner of the Nebraska Department of Education. Her appointment will begin July 2025.
Stavem, the current superintendent of Sioux Falls School District in South Dakota, previously served in educational administration roles in Nebraska, including associate superintendent for instruction at Lincoln Public Schools, superintendent at Blair, and former executive director of curriculum and instruction and principal at Columbus Public Schools.
Stavem credits her time in the Educational Administration program for helping her prepare for the role of deputy commissioner.
“The mentorship and guidance I received from my professors and others in the Educational Administration department gave me the tools and confidence to lead at the district level,” Stavem said. “That foundation ultimately opened the door to my superintendent roles, where I had the opportunity to work alongside dedicated educators in multiple districts across Nebraska and other states.”
Stavem brings vital expertise in elementary education and will aid in the pursuit of improving literacy outcomes in the state of Nebraska. She hopes through her role to develop a focused, actionable vision for literacy, integrating best practices across classrooms, school leadership, district leadership, community engagement, and state policy.
“Looking back, my time at UNL was instrumental in shaping me as an educator and leader,” Stavem said. “The lessons I learned and the relationships I built continue to influence my work, reinforcing the impact and influence of strong leadership in shaping the future of Nebraska education.”
The Department of Educational Administration (EDAD) offers rigorous, accessible and forward-thinking programs that serve more than 300 graduate students in both P-12 and higher education in Nebraska, across the USA, and globally. EDAD alums serve as principals, superintendents, student affairs professionals, admissions counselors, residence life coordinators, academic advisors, directors, and more.
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