2025 Kay Jacobs Memorial Award News Release
Dr. Emily McDonald ReceivesKay E. Jacobs Memorial Award
February 18, 2025
The Minnesota Association of School Administrators (MASA) has named Dr. Emily McDonald, Assistant Superintendent of Lakeville Area Schools, as the recipient of the 2025 Kay E. Jacobs Memorial Award. The award is presented annually to a female administrator who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, a commitment to students, and active participation in MASA. Dr. McDonald will be honored during the MASA/MASE Spring Conference, scheduled for March 20-21, 2025, at the Minneapolis Marriott Northwest.
With more than 25 years of experience in public education, Dr. McDonald has been a steady, guiding presence in her district, leading through times of growth, change, and challenge. Her leadership has been instrumental in strengthening districtwide strategic planning, advancing initiatives to support equitable educational outcomes, and fostering meaningful student engagement. A champion for systems alignment and access to rigorous educational opportunities, she has worked to ensure that students receive the support they need from preschool through graduation.
Throughout her career, Dr. McDonald has remained dedicated to developing strong school communities. She has led efforts with cross-functional teams in program innovation, social-emotional learning, Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), and leadership development, which have created lasting, positive impacts on students and educators alike. During periods of leadership transition, stepping in twice as interim superintendent, she provided continuity, stability, and a clear vision for the district.
Beyond her district, Dr. McDonald is a passionate advocate for professional learning and mentorship. Since 2008, she has taught in graduate education leadership programs at Saint Mary’s University, mentoring more than 400 aspiring school leaders. Additionally, she co-founded an assistant superintendent leadership network, fostering collaboration among education leaders in the Twin Cities metro area.
An active leader within MASA, Dr. McDonald serves on the Board of Directors and previously chaired the Executive Development Committee. Her engagement extends into civic organizations, including participating in events with the Lakeville Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club, where she advocates for public education and builds partnerships that benefit students.
Dr. McDonald holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership, a master’s degree in Education, and superintendent and principal licensures, all from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and Education from St. Catherine University, graduating summa cum laude as valedictorian.
This award is proudly sponsored by PMA Financial Network.
The Memorial Award was established in 1983 in honor of Kay E. Jacobs, an outstanding young administrator of many achievements who died in a car accident in 1979. At the time of her death, Ms. Jacobs was the assistant superintendent for the Mahtomedi Schools and had just been nominated, through a national screening process, for membership in the 38th Annual Superintendents’ Work Conference at Teachers’ College, Columbia University. This was a distinct honor, because only forty-five outstanding chief school officers from school systems throughout the United States had been invited to participate. The Memorial Award recognizes women administrators who have demonstrated the attributes of leadership and involvement early in their careers as Kay Jacobs did.
Each year, MASA recognizes members for their contribution to public education. MASA is a professional organization of Minnesota’s school leaders, including superintendents, assistant superintendents, directors of special education, and other central office administrators, as well as state department administrators, college and university professors, and other educators throughout Minnesota dedicated to educational leadership for students.
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