College of Education > News > 2011 > October > DiChiara `81 earns state superintendent of the year honors

Three-time College of Education graduate named Alabama’s top superintendent

When the School Superintendents of Alabama reveals the list of finalists for state Superintendent of the Year, chances are that at least one Auburn University College of Education graduate will be in the mix.

Since the SSA began presenting the award in 1988, 10 of the 25 recipients have earned at least one degree from the College of Education. The 2012 Superintendent of the Year, Dr. Larry DiChiara `81 of Phenix City Schools , is a three-time college graduate. The SSA announced his selection on October 19.

DiChiara earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in special education in 1981 and 1983, respectively, before returning to Auburn to earn a doctorate in school administration in 2000. While completing work on his doctorate, DiChiara served as an administrative assistant to former Truman Pierce Institute director Bettye Burkhalter.

The SSA will honor DiChiara and the eight other Superintendent of the Year finalists during a February 2012 luncheon in Montgomery. DiChiara will receive a plaque, a bronze medallion, and an expenses-paid trip to the American Association of School Administrators National Conference on Education, to be held in February 2012 in Houston. By virtue of winning Superintendent of the Year honors at the state level, DiChiara becomes a candidate for National Superintendent of the Year.

“I am especially thrilled for my central office staff, school board, school employees, community, and my family as this honor is a great source of pride for them,’’ DiChiara said. “That in and of itself makes all the attention worth it. Finally, I have so much admiration for all the current superintendents in the state, those who were finalists, as well as those superintendents who I have known and have since retired. They are my colleagues and friends and are just as deserving.’’

Each of the state finalists, including DiChiara, will receive a $1,000 scholarship award from the SSA that they will be able to present to a graduating senior in their school systems who plans on majoring in education and teaching in Alabama.

DiChiara, who has served as Phenix City’s superintendent since 2004, also teaches graduate courses as an adjunct instructor for Troy University’s Phenix City campus. He previously served as director of special education and as director of administrative services for Lee County Schools, as principal of Loachapoka Elementary School, and as assistant principal and a special education teacher for Loachapoka High and Elementary Schools.

Here's a listing of College of Education graduates who have been recognized as Alabama's Superintendent of the Year since 1988:

Last Updated: Oct 20, 2011