Dr. Brandon Mowinkel of Milford was recently selected as the recipient of the 2024-2025 Nebraska State Association of Secondary School Principals Distinguished Service Award.
Mowinkel received his undergraduate education from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, where he received his Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology Education in 2002. Later he received his Master of Arts in Education in 7-12 School Principalship from the University of Nebraska at Kearney, Leadership for Learning in K-12 Assessment Leadership from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, Educational Specialist from Doane University, and in 2023 received his Doctorate of Education from Doane University.
He is currently the Junior/Senior High School Principal at Milford Public Schools and has been in this role since 2012. Prior to serving as the Junior/Senior High School Principal, he was the Assistant Principal at Milford Public Schools and the Industrial Technology Teacher at Milford Public Schools.
Mowinkel has been an active member of several professional organizations, including the Nebraska Council of School Administrators and the Nebraska State Association of Secondary School Principals for the past 17 years. He has also been a member of the National Association of Secondary School Principals for 16 years.
Throughout his career, he has held numerous leadership positions, serving on the NSASSP Region I Board, the NSASSP State Board, and the NCSA Executive Board.
In recognition of his exceptional contributions to education, Mowinkel has received several prestigious honors, including the Region I Assistant Principal of the Year (2010), the NSASSP Nebraska Assistant Principal of the Year (2010), the NSASSP Region I Secondary Principal of the Year (2017), the NSASSP Nebraska Secondary Principal of the Year (2017), and the NSASSP Region I Distinguished Service Award (2024).
Kevin Wingard, retired superintendent at Milford Public Schools, praised Mowinkel.
“One of the best qualities about Dr. Mowinkel is that he cares deeply about the success of all students in and out of the classroom,” Wingard said. “He works tirelessly to create an environment in which every student can thrive and be successful in their own individual way and that they are ready for their next chapter after graduation from MPS.
“Throughout his career, Dr. Mowinkel has been an active and engaged member of the NCSA and NSASSP organizations. He has consistently demonstrated a commitment to advancing the mission of the NCSA and NSASSP through his involvement in various leadership roles.”
“Brandon not only supports us in the little things by solving problems or taking the time to write notes of encouragement and appreciation, he has supported his school and community far and wide,” said Rebekah Augustyn, staff member at Milford Public Schools. “Every school needs a Brandon, and we are so glad to have his leadership, dedication, and presence in our school.”
“While it may be easy for someone with great qualifications to step into a principal role, it takes someone skilled in compassion, humility, knowledge, and motivation, to do the job well,” said Kellie Roth, a former student at Milford Public Schools. “Dr. Mowinkel goes beyond this and I am a testament of his dedication today. I am now a fourth grade teacher and when asked the question What made you decide to become a teacher, without skipping a beat I answer, my high school principal Dr. Mowinkel.”
“I am honored to be selected as the NSASSP Distinguished Service Award recipient by my peers,” Mowinkel said. “Serving NSASSP has been one of the greatest honors of my professional career, providing me with experiences I never imagined I would have as a secondary school principal. Public Schools are at the heart of every community and having the opportunity and platform to advocate for our students, staff, schools, and communities is a challenge and privilege I thoroughly enjoy.
“I appreciate the knowledge, insight, and friendships I gained from passionate educators from Nebraska and across the United States I met and worked alongside. Thank you to the countless individuals working tirelessly to ensure strong public schools in Nebraska for generations to come.”
