Former Principal of Urbandale High School
and Des Moines Christian School

With a calling to serve through education and leadership, Bob brings more than four decades of experience shaped by both professional excellence and deep faith. A fifth-generation educator, his journey began with a B.S. in English Education from Winona State University, followed by early years as a high school English teacher and multi-sport coach.

He went on to earn an M.A. in Educational Administration from Northeast Missouri State University (now Truman State University) and a Ph.D. in Educational Administration from the University of Iowa. His career in educational leadership includes service as an assistant principal, 15 years as a high school principal, and 16 years as a superintendent. Altogether, he has invested 20 years in public education and 26 years in Christian education, faithfully working to shape both minds and hearts.

His passion for Christ-centered education extends beyond administration. Bob has served as an adjunct professor of educational leadership at several institutions, including Drake University, and helped found Joshua Christian Academy, an inner-city school in Des Moines dedicated to serving students in an under-resourced community.

A committed advocate for high-quality education across all settings—Bob believes every child is created with purpose and deserves the opportunity to flourish.

Bob’s life reflects a deep commitment to service and discipleship, including involvement in Rotary, church elder leadership, jail ministry, ScreenStrong, The River Upstate, and the Colson Fellows Leadership Team. A voracious reader and lifelong learner, he continues to grow in faith and knowledge even in retirement after 43 years of full-time work.

Bob is also the author of Light or Darkness: Reclaiming the Light in Sports (2011), a work that reflects their heart for restoring integrity and faith in athletics.