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Joshua McDowell

Superintendent
Crete Public Schools

Throughout his career, Dr. Joshua McDowell has had the opportunity to work with amazing people. The relationships he’s established with a variety of professionals across the country have helped develop him into the effective leader he is today. McDowell entered public education because of a love of children and a belief that education is the great equalizer. Having grown up with a single mom in a low-income environment, he credits public education as his “saving grace.” The same is true for his wife, who also came from a challenging childhood. An excellent public education has allowed them both to give back to their community and provide for their family in ways they never thought possible. He is proud to repay the profession and the community that have embraced him and provided unwavering support.

McDowell graduated from Doane College in 1999 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in elementary education and an endorsement in middle-level education. He began his teaching career in Kearney Public Schools in 2003. In his second year, Kearney Public Schools recognized him as the 2005 teacher of the year. He says this recognition constantly reminds him that he is a teacher first and foremost and providing opportunities for all students to thrive will continue to be his personal mission, regardless of his position.

In 2008, he graduated from Doane College with a Master of Education degree in educational leadership. At the age of 27, he was hired as assistant principal at Walnut Middle School in Grand Island and later served as an administrator at Barr Middle School. McDowell was promoted to Director of Curriculum and Instruction for Grand Island Public Schools (GIPS) in 2012 and to Chief Academic Officer in 2016. A lifelong learner, McDowell earned a Doctor of Education degree in interdisciplinary leadership from Creighton University in August 2017.

In 2019, McDowell was on the move again when he became Superintendent of Crete Public Schools. Located in southeast Nebraska, Crete is a diverse community with 68% Hispanic/Latino students, 24% EL Learners, and 68% economically disadvantaged. McDowell’s passionate pursuit to serve ALL students and families is alive and well in Crete. The overhaul of an after-school program and the addition of First Flight, a program designed to provide access to athletic programs at little or no cost, are just a few of the initiatives he has implemented to ensure an equitable environment for all students.

McDowell is proud to have led several accomplishments, including maintaining student achievement throughout the pandemic, when Crete’s scores on assessments were on par or slightly better than statewide results. However, he believes his most significant accomplishments were due to his ability to build strong relationships and ensure all stakeholders are valued. After all, without the caring embrace of his community, our public schools, and a relentless pursuit to serve others, his story would not be nearly as successful or worthwhile.

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