Joseph Koziol is highly respected as an inspirational educator and creative administrator, whose leadership and commitment have made learning meaningful for countless numbers of students in his 36-year career. Mr. Koziol is superintendent at the Northwest School District in Jackson, Michigan.

Mr. Koziol began his career as a driver’s education instructor, and went on to teach social studies at Northwest High School from 1966 to 1970. He later served as an assistant principal and in 1979 was appointed principal of Northwest Junior High School. In 1998, he was promoted from assistant superintendent to superintendent of the 3,600-student district. Throughout his tenure as superintendent, he has been tireless in his efforts to involve the community in the schools. He initiated a series of community forums and study circles, reformulated the district’s newsletter and logo, and started a volunteer recognition dinner. In addition, he established an early childhood task force, which led to the creation of a “parent university” and family reading nights. And he spearheaded the district’s efforts to upgrade its technology infrastructure, increasing the number of computers from 400 to more than 800, and building new computer laboratories at three of the district’s schools. His aggressive and ambitious efforts to improve the schools stabilized enrollment and boosted morale and excitement at the district. He is also credited with developing the much-heralded Assets Program, a character development initiative that teaches children to develop skills to succeed in school and life.

Mr. Koziol has a bachelor’s degree (1966) and master’s degree (1971) from MSU.