Dedicated to the Community

Dean Gorrell (BS ‘85/MA ‘90/PhD ’99) chose a career in education to get, as he put it, “a healthy daily dose of human interaction, especially with young people.”

Since July 2005, when Gorrell became superintendent of schools in Verona, Wisconsin, just a few minutes outside of Madison, his everyday tonic has come in the form of 4,400 students in one of the state’s largest school districts. Gorrell oversees six school sites and two charter schools. He’s also active in United Way fund-raising efforts to provide health care and other assistance for the needy.

“It helps me see the bigger picture and the root causes of societal problems,” Gorrell said. “I see what some families are going through. If kids are coming to school hungry, if their teeth hurt, or if their parents are in unstable jobs, they aren’t going to do well when they’ve got those things to worry about.”

Gorrell, who grew up in the eastern Iowa town of Maquoketa, started working with young people while he was relatively young himself. As an undergraduate studying physics at The University of Iowa, he took part in the Summer Science Training Program.

“It was a program where kids came to Iowa City to learn about physics,” he said. “I soon discovered it was something I loved to do. Later on, many of my fellow students decided to continue on for graduate degrees. I was interested in physics, but not to that level. Because of my need for human contact, I saw the writing on the wall. I knew I wanted to be a teacher.”
Gorrell’s dedication to making a difference doesn’t end when he leaves the building at the conclusion of the school day.

As a student, he volunteered at The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, and later, as an administrator for Iowa City schools, was a member of the local Lions and Rotary clubs. He continued as a hospital volunteer in the UIHC’s long-term surgical intensive care unit.

“That was an eye-opening experience,” Gorrell said. “You’re there for families when they and their loved ones are suffering. You get to know them personally. I met a man whose wife was seriously injured in a car accident. I’d go to lunch with him so he had an opportunity to get away for a while.”

Gorrell taught physics from 1986-92 before deciding to make the move from the classroom to school administration. He served as an assistant principal and principal in several schools before advancing to his first superintendent position in 2002.

“I wanted to more influence and expand my opportunities to lead,” he said. “I really enjoyed teaching, but I’ve never regretted my decision to serve in administration.”

Watching children learn in and out of the classroom is the best thing about being an educator, Gorrell said.

“Whether you’re listening to a concert or attending a game, there is great satisfaction in knowing you’ve had an influence,” he said. “I’m always so proud of the kids. I can only imagine how their parents must feel.”
Linda Christensen, director of curriculum and instruction for the Verona district, characterized Gorrell as a high-energy person dedicated to making a positive difference in student’s livess.

“Within a few months of becoming our superintendent, Dean had visited every classroom, met all of our staff members and many of the students, and learned an enormous amount about our schools and community,” Christensen said.

Adam Schneider, assistant director for resource development for the United Way of Wisconsin’s Dane County, said first-hand experience in schools has given Gorrell a special understanding of how social issues can affect children in their most impressionable years.

“We’re grateful for the time and effort Dean devotes to helping improve our community,” Schneider said. “He’s a great person and Iowa is lucky to have him as an alumnus. However, since he’s currently living in Wisconsin, I’ve made him an honorary Badger!” –by Joe Nugent