Scott Schneider, PhD., Dean of Adult Education and Literacy at Eastern Iowa Community Colleges (EICC), has been named the 2025 Outstanding Administrator of the Year by the Iowa Literacy Council (ILC).
The statewide honor recognizes Schneider’s work in reshaping adult education with a student-first focus. His efforts have made programs more accessible, efficient, and aligned with real-world needs, especially those facing barriers to education.
Schneider was presented with the surprise award on June 26 at EICC’s High School Equivalency Diploma Ceremony. He will be formally recognized in July at the ILC Summer Conference.
“Scott embodies what this honor represents,” said Office Coordinator and Data Manager
Megan Linzy-Johnson, who works with Schneider at EICC’s West Davenport Center and
nominated him for the award.
“He’s an educational leader whose innovation, dedication, and community-driven approach have transformed adult education in our region,” she added.
Ashlee Spannagel, Vice Chancellor of Workforce, also praised Schneider’s impact on the college and community.
“Congratulations to Dr. Schneider on this well-deserved recognition,” Spannagel said. “His visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to student success have transformed adult education at EICC and beyond.”
Schneider said the award reflects a team effort and the collective passion of those who work alongside him.
“I have the honor and privilege to work with some of the brightest and most passionate individuals one could imagine,” he said. “They establish meaningful connections with their students and create an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect. This is truly a recognition of a collective team effort.”
He also emphasized the inclusive and student-centered philosophy that guides the program.
“Each and every day, we are blessed with the opportunity to change people’s lives,” he said. “Our students come to us with a variety of backgrounds and personal obstacles. Together, we identify each individual’s unique motivators and create a learning plan that best fits their needs. All are welcome and everyone has a place at the table.”
Under Schneider’s leadership, EICC introduced the Skills to Success model, which lets students jump into coursework without delays. He also expanded remote access to services like registration and testing, reducing transportation barriers.
Programs like Fast Track push high-performing students forward, and flexible alternatives like Credit Recovery support those who need a different path.
Schneider also built systems to help students continue their education. He introduced a program to reward high school equivalency diploma graduates with a three-credit scholarship, making the next step more attainable.
His focus on people sets him apart, Johnson said.
“Dr. Scott changed the course of my life, and the lives of so many others by believing in us before we believed in ourselves. His leadership has created a program where second chances are real, where every student matters, and where hope turns into achievement. We are who we are because he saw our potential and never gave up on us," she said.
Schneider developed a faculty training series based on student retention research and holds regular staff development sessions to align instructors and support teams around student needs.
Beyond the classroom, his partnerships have expanded access for immigrants, refugees, and individuals returning from the justice system. He works with groups like QCAIR, World Relief, and the Safer Foundation to build pathways into education.
Schneider also helped open a Student Success Center and community food pantry at the West Davenport Center.
“His leadership, vision, and heart have made a lasting impact on both the individuals we serve and the broader community. I can’t think of anyone more deserving of the 2025 Outstanding Administrator of the Year Award,” Johnson said.
Schneider has led EICC’s adult education efforts for the past ten years.