Rita Marler named 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient

Rita Marler, CLC ‘79, ‘87 BEd, fondly recalls her days at Augustana, particularly her time completing her high school diploma on campus and then working in the library while pursuing her bachelor of education. “Everyone was part of a tight-knit community,” Marler reflects, remembering the care and kindness shown by staff and faculty. The small classes allowed professors to truly get to know students, creating a foundation of support and respect that would resonate throughout her career.

The supportive environment at Augustana helped to lay a foundation for Marler to pursue a career in education, one that spanned over three decades and culminated in her becoming the superintendent of Battle River School Division. While her passion for teaching began in childhood — when she and her sisters would play “school” in their playroom — it was her experience in the classroom that ignited her drive to lead change. “I developed a keen sense of what we needed to do better for our students,” she says, a realization which led her to complete a master’s degree in educational leadership and to become a school administrator. 

While she had never aspired to be superintendent, Marler stepped up to cover a leave and then accepted the position a few short months later. During her tenure, she led transformative change, bringing together previously isolated schools and fostering a culture of collaboration. Under her leadership, administrators worked closely with one another, sharing best practices and building a supportive community. “We focused a great deal of time in providing professional support to our assistant principals and principals in building their capacity to better support our teachers,” she says. This collaborative spirit, she believes, is key to long-term success. As she often quoted an African proverb, “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.” While superintendent, Marler also earned a doctor of education degree. 

When offering advice to current students considering a career in education, Marler emphasizes the importance of passion for the work. “Make sure you're there for the right reason—the students," she says. “Sometimes with the heavy workload, people lose sight of why they wanted to teach.” Her deep commitment to education has always been rooted in keeping students at the heart of her work. 

For those interested in leadership roles, Marler’s advice is to get involved and to understand that there are always opportunities to learn: “You must have a growth mindset and recognize that in education you’ll never reach the pinnacle, but you must keep growing and learning.”

Marler’s lifelong dedication to education and her unwavering support of both students and fellow educators make her a deserving recipient of this year’s Distinguished Alumni Award. 

The Distinguished Alumni Award is is presented to an alumnus/a in recognition of outstanding achievement in one’s vocation.