The Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) named Kathie Nielsen, Adjunct Assistant Professor of Education at Hope International University, a 2021 Orange County Administrator of the Year.  ACSA annually recognizes outstanding administrators for their leadership skills, professionalism, creativity, innovation and commitment to a quality education.  Kathie was nominated by the Tustin School Management Association for this year’s awards program. She, along with three others, will represent ACSA, Region 17 (Orange County) in the California Administrators of the Year Program.

“It is such an honor to work with students who are striving to become leaders who serve,” Kathie exclaims. “It gives me such hope and enthusiasm about the future of education in California.”

Kathie is a retired TUSD Deputy Superintendent who has assisted in a partnership between HIU and TUSD. She teaches two education courses at HIU and serves as a fieldwork mentor. “Kathie is a wonderful addition to our team at HIU,” says Dr. Doug Domene, Dean of HIU’s College of Education.  

Nielsen has worked in public education for 35 years – the past 20 years in TUSD. During her career in Tustin Unified, she has served as Chief Academic Officer for 10 years, Director of Elementary Education, Principal of Red Hill and Marjorie Veeh Elementary Schools, and coordinator of literacy training for grades K-3 and teacher on special assignment in reading. As principal of Red Hill School, she received the Irvine Company’s Principal of Excellence Award for outstanding leadership, creativity and commitment to the students and school community. Prior to TUSD, she was an elementary classroom teacher in the Irvine Unified School District for 15 years.