LouAnn Howard, director of education for the Mid-America Union Conference, passed to her rest on September 26, 2025. LouAnn devoted more than 47 years of her life to Adventist education, faithfully serving as teacher, superintendent, mentor and leader. Her loss leaves a tremendous void in the lives of countless students, educators, friends and colleagues whose paths she touched.
A Legacy in Education
LouAnn Howard, director of education for the Mid-America Union Conference, passed to her rest on September 26, 2025. LouAnn devoted more than 47 years of her life to Adventist education, faithfully serving as teacher, superintendent, mentor, and leader. Her loss leaves a tremendous void in the lives of countless students, educators, friends, and colleagues whose paths she touched.
LouAnn was born on Dec. 24, 1955, in Sioux City, Iowa, to Walter and Grace (Elliot) Howard. Her career began in 1978 as an elementary teacher in the Colorado Conference. She went on to serve in classrooms across the Rocky Mountain, Kansas-Nebraska, and Illinois conferences. Her passion for nurturing young learners and supporting teachers naturally led her into leadership roles.
From 1991–1999, she served as associate director of education for the Illinois Conference. In 1999, she joined the Mid-America Union Conference as associate director of education, a role she faithfully carried for nearly two decades. In 2017, she was elected director of education for MAUC, a position she held until her passing.
Union president Gary Thurber reflected:
“This loss brings to an end a legacy in Adventist Christian education that is hard to match, and a loss of a friend we can hardly fathom. LouAnn was so highly respected by her peers and loved deeply as a coworker and friend.”
Carisa Carr, MAUC associate director of education, shared:
“I am struck by the loss in our educational field of someone who faithfully served and poured out her heart for educators. LouAnn loved the union, worked tirelessly to develop resources for the field, and carried a joy that was infectious to all around her. She deeply believed in growing leaders, and her influence will be felt for generations.”
A Heart for Learning and Leadership
LouAnn was herself a lifelong learner. She graduated from Union Adventist University (then Union College) in 1978 with a degree in elementary education. She later completed a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from La Sierra University and an educational specialist degree in leadership and administration from Andrews University. Her dedication to education shaped her vision for empowering both teachers and students to thrive academically and spiritually.
Across the decades, LouAnn’s commitment to Adventist education was unwavering. She was a member of eight committees for the North American Division dealing with assessment, advisory, or curriculum and chaired six MAUC committees, including the Board of Education and the Education Council.
She served on the Union Adventist University Board of Trustees and contributed to numerous other committees at both the MAUC and North American Division levels.
Dennis Plubell, interim vice president for education at the North American Division, recalls:
“Through the next 26 years at biannual meetings of this group, at NAD summer curriculum development workshops, special committees, task force groups, and Union Directors of Education Councils, LouAnn was engaged, encouraging and ever generous in encouraging colleagues. I witnessed her priority focus on the classroom educator, giving practical advice for complex challenges, and offering positive perspectives about the impact of Adventist education on God’s youth. LouAnn conveyed grace and good humor at all the right times. She will be missed by educational leaders far beyond her appointed work in Mid-America.”
Dr. Leisa Morton-Standish, NAD education director for elementary and curriculum, added:
“LouAnn had an infectious laugh and an incredible institutional knowledge that benefited everyone on our Education Advisory team. Her passion for Adventist education could be seen in everything she did. She always said yes when she was asked to lead a committee—and then she led so effortlessly. Her legacy is far reaching and her impact is inspiring.”
H. Stephen Bralley, NAD director of secondary education and accreditation, observed:
“LouAnn carried a deep commitment to every educator across MAUC while helping Ron Russell and later John Kriegelstein lead across the vast Mid-America territory. Her legacy of mentorship, leadership, and unwavering care for educators continues to inspire and guide us.”
John Kriegelstein, former MAUC education director, recalled:
“When I arrived in Lincoln on March 1, 2009, it was LouAnn Howard who paved the way for me as the new director of education for the Mid-America Union. For me, it was new territory, new people, and new policies. For LouAnn it was business as usual as she familiarized me with people, backgrounds, and policies pertinent to whatever the current discussion. This was extremely helpful to me as I settled into MAUC culture.
It was not uncommon to find LouAnn listening and encouraging. She loved to watch educators—novice or well-seasoned—grow into strong warriors for Adventist education. She is already missed! I look forward to hearing LouAnn’s unique giggle ring through the halls of heaven.”
Joseph Allison, retired Adventist educator, shared:
“LouAnn has been both a personal and professional friend to me over the many years we worked together. She provided several opportunities for me to serve on Mid-America Union Conference committees and school evaluations. LouAnn was instrumental in securing placements for me on various North American Division committees representing the Mid-America Union. She was always willing to offer advice about issues I was facing or lend a listening ear when I needed to safely vent. My Seventh-day Adventist education experience and career were greatly enhanced by the leadership LouAnn provided and the confidence she expressed in my abilities.”
Evelyn Sullivan, M.Ed., director for Early Childhood and REACH Education, North American Division, said:
“I first met LouAnn in 2005 while we were developing the NAD Stepping Stones Kindergarten curriculum. She was full of enthusiasm and wisdom. A few years later, I had the privilege of working with her again on various early childhood initiatives. I have learned so much from LouAnn over the years, and I will truly miss her friendship and infectious laugh.
LouAnn was an exceptional leader with a passion for excellence. The North American Division was fortunate to benefit from her teaching and leadership skills. We will miss her presence at the education table, sharing her ideas and insights during our various NAD meetings.”
A Steadfast Mentor and Friend
As we mourn the loss of LouAnn, we also celebrate her influence that lives on in the countless lives she touched. Messages from colleagues and friends illustrate the depth of her impact.
James C. Davis, Jr., Minnesota Conference education superintendent, shared:
“I first met LouAnn at a conference in Florida many years ago, and our paths crossed again six years ago when I became a new superintendent. From the beginning, I found her to be a knowledgeable, caring, and generous mentor. She was always willing to take my calls and patiently talk through whatever challenges I was facing. LouAnn offered wise advice, listened with genuine understanding, and always seemed to know the right answers—and when she didn’t, she quickly found them.
LouAnn was a true legend in Adventist education, an irreplaceable leader whose impact will be felt for generations. It was an honor and a privilege to know her and to work alongside her. She will be deeply missed, and her passing is a tremendous loss to all who had the blessing of knowing her.”
Vanessa Pujic, principal and high school math/social studies teacher at Minnetonka Christian Academy, reflected:
“LouAnn Howard has been such a force for Adventist education in the MAUC in the 15 years I’ve worked in Minnesota. Throughout this time, as I’ve moved to different roles and schools, I have personally witnessed the many ways LouAnn advocated for strengthening our education system and supporting those trying new and innovative things to reach kids.
Whenever and wherever I saw LouAnn, I was always greeted with a warm hug and a genuine interest in my wellbeing. Her heart for educators and Adventist administrators has been a great encouragement to me during my years as a principal. I will forever be grateful for her leadership.”
Martha A. Ban, director of technology for education, North American Division, shared:
“LouAnn Howard was not only a long-time friend but also a wise mentor. Our friendship began as ‘meeting friends,’ serving side by side on various education committees. Before long, those meetings became more bearable because I knew we would share meals, excursions, and deep conversations together.
I was continually amazed by LouAnn’s knowledge and perspective on Adventist education. It became almost a mantra in our circles—‘LouAnn will know’—whenever there was a question about someone’s whereabouts, history, or background. Her reach and influence were wide, and her heart was even wider.
LouAnn was a mentor and friend to hundreds, and I am deeply blessed to have been among those who were guided and encouraged by her.”
Gerard C. Ban, retired Adventist educator, reflected:
“LouAnn was instrumental in bringing me into the MAUC family when she recommended me to serve as superintendent of the Dakota Conference and principal of Dakota Adventist Academy. That ‘two-for-one’ opportunity stretched me, challenged me, and ultimately prepared me for what came next.
When LouAnn later invited me to join her in the MAUC Education Office as associate director of secondary education, I knew I was being given not only a new assignment, but also the privilege of working alongside a remarkable leader. The time we spent collaborating, planning, laughing, and sharing experiences impacted me in more ways than I could have imagined.
LouAnn’s wisdom, encouragement, and friendship left a lasting imprint on both my professional journey and my personal life. I am deeply grateful for the opportunities she opened and the example she set.”
Casey L. Prindle, principal at College View Academy, Nebraska, said:
“I had the privilege of working with LouAnn in the MAUC for 14 years. No matter the reason for the call or visit, LouAnn was always a great listener and sounding board. Her wealth of experience was evident and freely shared.
No conversation passed without her asking me, ‘How are YOU doing?’ This meant so much to me, as many times her words and actions helped me feel that I was where I was supposed to be and that the ministry of education was worth every investment.
I have taken many lessons from my time with LouAnn, yet the ones I pray the Lord still teaches me I saw through her in every encounter—the application of seeing and responding to people as Jesus does. That is something I ultimately witnessed and experienced through my friend—a life seeking to live like Jesus.”
Diane Harris, Rocky Mountain Conference education superintendent, wrote:
“The Adventist education community has lost a remarkable leader and cherished friend in LouAnn Howard. For me personally, LouAnn was far more than a colleague—she was a mentor, a guide, and a steady source of encouragement throughout my educational journey.
There was never a time she didn’t answer her phone, even if she was in the middle of a meeting—because she made it her mission to be present and available to those who needed her. Her generosity of time was one of her greatest gifts.
Her legacy will not be measured merely by the positions she held, but by the lives she touched, the schools she strengthened, and the teachers she uplifted along the way. LouAnn exemplified servant leadership in its purest form—steadfast and always rooted in love for God and His mission.”
A Memory to Honor
LouAnn is survived by her sister, Linda Johnson; nephew Richard (Robin) Johnson and their children, Matthew, Zachary (Chloe), Jacob, Kiley; great niece, Ivy Kathleen; special friend, Phyllis Gorton, and cousins. LouAnn was preceded in death by her parents and brother-in-law, Richard Johnson.
A memorial service will be held on Sabbath, October 18, at 4:00 PM Central Time, at College View Seventh-day Adventist Church, located at 4801 Prescott Avenue, Lincoln, Nebraska. The service will also be live streamed at collegeviewchurch.org/index.php/worship/livestream.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested contributions be made to Union Adventist University’s Education Department. To give, please visit uau.edu/giving, select the dropdown ‘I want to support’, and choose The Union Fund: Education Program–Howard Memorial.
