Robert C. McNiel

Robert C. McNeil graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a Bachelor of Arts degree (1965) in physical education, thereafter teaching physical education (including adaptive) and coaching (wrestling/football/tennis) at Muscatine High School (1965-1970) and teaching night classes in physical education at Muscatine Junior College. He earned Master of Arts degrees in elementary and secondary administration from Northeast Missouri State University (1968) and in environment and community from Antioch University, WA (2002).

McNiel served as an inter-city Olympic wrestling coach in London, England, before serving (1974-1984) as a teacher and principal for the Cedar Rapids School District while earning a Doctor of Philosophy degree (1977) in educational administration from the University of Iowa. He served as director (1984-1996) of Educational Services, interim superintendent (1987) and assistant to the superintendent (1997-2002) for Grant Wood Area Education Agency.

McNiel served the American Association of School Administrators (director of Quality Network, director of Contemporary School Leadership, Federal Policy and Legislative Corps); American Association of Educational Service Agencies (executive assistant); Iowa DPI (Special Education Task Force, Educational Standards of Juvenile Homes); Educational Services Directors of Iowa (president, secretary); Elementary Principals Association (president); Iowa Quality Center (board) and indian Creek Nature Center (president-2007).

He has presented nationally, published in the Grant Wood Area Education Agency’s The Linker and participated in seven professional development programs during his career. McNiel was listed twice in Who’s Who in American Education, was a member of Phi Delta Kappa and received the Cedar Rapids Jaycees Key Man Certificate. He was also named Wrestling Official of the Year by the IHSAA.

Dr. Robert C. McNiel has served his profession of educational administration with great distinction.