Dr. Karen L. List, Assistant Superintendent of West Hartford, Connecticut Public Schools has been selected to receive the prestigious Outstanding School Administrator Award from the Neag School of Education Alumni Society of the University of Connecticut. Dr. List earned her Ph.D. in 1983 in Curriculum Supervision and Gifted Education from the Neag School. She was chosen to receive this award because of her acknowledged excellence as an innovative and visionary educational leader who serves as a model throughout the state of Connecticut. The West Hartford School System recently selected Dr. List to be their next superintendent as of July 1, 2009.

Dr. List began her career as an art teacher in 1973. She is the founder and Director of YPI (Young People's Institute) for gifted and talented students. According to Dr. Barry Sheckley who works with Karen in the UCAPP program, "She ranks in the top tier of educational leaders in the country because of her accomplishments in promoting broad based educational reform, her knowledge of educational leadership and her ability to translate theory into practice." Her innovations in professional development are recognized at the national level. She is often called upon to present on the national stage and help others develop policy.

Dr. List has had many leadership accomplishments in the public schools of Connecticut and professional associations. She co-chaired the Assistant Superintendents' Round Table and is described as being bright, well-organized and passionate about ensuring the success of all students. She has demonstrated a sustained commitment and dedication to educational excellence. Under her leadership two West Hartford schools have earned Blue Ribbon status. In 1992 Eric Norfeldt Elementary School received the honor with distinction in the area of inclusion. Again in 2001, Smith School earned the Blue Ribbon distinction with special emphasis on technology.

Dr. List will be recognized at the Eleventh Annual Awards Dinner of the Neag School of Education on Saturday, May 16, 2009. Anyone wishing more information about this event can call Lynne Allen at the University Alumni Center at (888) UC-ALUM-1, (860) 486-2240 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .