Gary Prest

Gary Prest is Director of Administrative Licensure and Co-Coordinator of Graduate Programs in Education Policy and Leadership at the University of Minnesota's Department of Organizational Leadership, Policy and Development. Holding an Ed.D. and Specialist Certificate from University of Minnesota alongside M.E. and B.S. degrees (both with distinction), he brings extensive K-12 leadership experience including superintendent, principal, and central office roles.

Research focuses on leadership development, organizational transformation, institutional culture analysis, and strategic planning in educational contexts. He teaches OLPD 5396: Field Experience in PK-12 Administration, emphasizing authentic leadership practice.

Major honors include the 2020 Excellence in Educational Leadership award from UCEA, University of Minnesota's Distinguished Alumni Award (2014), Minnesota Superintendent of the Year (2006), and Educator of the Year from Minnesota Elementary School Principals (2006). Professional affiliations span AASA, MASA, and PDK International.