RISD Central Administrators Recognized for Servant Leadership

The RISD Patti Kieker Servant Leader Award recognizes an exemplary central administrator who helps the district achieve its mission while exemplifying servant leadership, which is a commitment to the growth and development of others first.

Myron Stennett, Director of Visual Arts, received the inaugural award last year, and Chief Executive Director of Student Services Matthew Gibbins is the 2019 recipient. They were both surprised when Patti showed up this week at the monthly RISD senior staff meeting to hand them the monetary part of the prize that is funded through the RISD Excellence in Education Foundation.

“I was honored to be recognized with this award,” Stennett said. “It means a lot to me. It reminds me that we all should strive to support students, teachers, principals and staff through the qualities and practices that put the needs of others first. We must help people develop and perform as highly as possible to ensure RISD achieves its mission where all students connect, learn, grow and succeed.”

Patti Kieker served RISD in numerous roles for more than 40 years before retiring in 2017. She provided impeccable support that embodied the qualities of a servant leader. During her career, Patti was a teacher, an assistant principal, a principal, an executive director, an Assistant Superintendent, Deputy Superintendent and Interim Superintendent.

“Patti was a great mentor to many people during her time in RISD,” Gibbins said. “She was instrumental in my growth as a campus administrator and central office support person.”