CHADRON – The Nebraska State Association of Secondary School Principals (NSASSP) selected Chadron High School Principal and Chadron State College alum Jerry Mack as the 2025-26 High School Principal of the Year.

According to a NSASSP press release, the award is presented annually to a principal who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in their school, region, and state level. The award honors principals who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of personal excellence, collaboration, leadership, curriculum, instruction, assessment, and personalization.

Mack has been a member of the NSASSP, the Nebraska Council of School Administrators, and the National Association of Secondary School Principals for 14 years. He received his Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from CSC and later earned his master’s in Secondary Administration from CSC.

Mack said he recalls his CSC courses as pivotal moments in planning his career.

“Coming out of high school, I was focused on wanting to become a coach. Near the end of undergraduate work during the professional semester, I remember sitting in General Methods with Dr. Al Holst and Math Methods with Dr. Frank Ferguson. The experiences in those classes grew a passion in me to become a teacher and have a positive impact on lives,” Mack said.

When he returned to CSC a few years later to begin a master's degree, he said he was inspired by discussions in classes with Dr. Patricia Cruzeiro and Dr. Clark Gardener.

“Chadron State College shaped my educational philosophy and prepared me with confidence to enter this field. I am forever grateful for my experiences there,” Mack said.