Ken & Nancy Pedersen Annual Education Scholarship

Kenneth David Pedersen and Nancy Lou Flannery were born in Austin, MN, and knew each other growing up and throughout school. In addition to being an avid student of history and science, Ken was an athlete, and Nancy pursued her interest in music and religious studies.

After attending Austin Community College for two years, Ken earned his B.S. in education at Winona State College, and Nancy earned her B.S. in religious education at Macalester, both in 1957. They married in 1958, and raised two children, Carolyn & David. In 1961, Ken went on to earn an M.A. in educational administration and Ed. Specialist Degree from the U of MN. In addition to a career in teaching, Ken was a secondary principal at several schools throughout MN. He served as Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Schools in Stillwater public schools from 1973 until his retirement in 1995. Ken was also a consultant for the Department of Defense and the State of MN from 1985-1997, evaluating military and private schools in Saudi Arabia, Japan, South Korea and Minnesota’s North Central Association.

Along with raising their children, Nancy taught school and bible studies, served in AAUW leadership, and was a part time secretary for Young Life a Christian ministry. Nancy was also co-owner of a popular tearoom in Stillwater.

Ken earned a Bush Fellowship in 1975 and IDEA fellowship in 1966/67. He held several leadership positions throughout his career including Associate Executive Secretary with MN, ND & SD Associations for Secondary School Principals, State Secretary for MASC, and Chairman of National ASCD.

Scholarship contact is Ken.