The Missouri Association of School Administrators (MASA) has selected Nisha Patel, EdD, superintendent of the School District of Clayton, as the recipient of the annual Robert L. Pearce Award. Selected by a committee of her peers, this honor celebrates Dr. Patel's outstanding leadership and dedication to the field of education. 

Dr. Patel joined Clayton as superintendent in 2021. Prior to this, she served as superintendent and assistant superintendent in the Fox C-6 School District, and held various roles in the Rockwood School District, including teacher, assistant principal, associate principal and building principal.

She holds a doctorate in administrative leadership from Maryville University, a master’s degree in administration from Missouri Baptist University, and both a master’s degree in science education and a bachelor’s degree in cellular biology from the University of Kansas.

When asked what inspired her to pursue a career in education, she shared her personal journey. “My belief in the power of education began in my childhood in Kenya, when my family moved to the United States for one reason and one reason only – access to high-quality education.”

During her tenure in Clayton, Dr. Patel has focused on advancing the District’s strategic plan and the Profile of a Clayton Graduate, an initiative centered on six guiding attributes. These attributes work together to cultivate graduates who are academically prepared, self-aware and motivated to make a positive impact on the world.

“This plan isn’t just words on paper; it’s our collective roadmap to a future where every student can realize their full potential,” she said. “In a district where excellence is the norm, I believe we are taking that excellence and making it transformational. Together, we are empowering our students to change the world, just as education changed mine.”

The Pearce Award is one of MASA’s two most prestigious honors. Please join us in congratulating Dr. Patel on this honor!