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“Calmest and Most Empathetic Individual I Have Ever Known” Friends Remember Former IASA Executive Director Dr. Walt Warfield (1946 – 2021) Jason Nevel Director of Social Media and Publications

Calm. Caring. Supportive. Led by example.

arts (1968) and master of science (1973) degrees from Southern Illinois University—Edwardsville and his Ph.D (1978) from Illinois State University. His education career began as a teacher and coach in Madison. He later became a high school principal in Mason City before serving as superintendent of three school districts: Decatur Public Schools (1988–1992), Mattoon Community Unit District (1984– 1988) and Fairfield Community High School District (1978–1984). One of his high school classmates, Emmert Dannenberg, followed Dr. Warfield into the superintendency.

Those were some of the words friends used to describe Dr. Walt Warfield, who lost his battle with cancer and passed away on June 8 at the age of 74. Dr. Warfield served as IASA’s Executive Director from 1992 to 2006. “Walt never let it show,’’ said Dr. Randolph Tinder, who served as IASA’s President in 2007. “He was one of the calmest and most empathetic individuals I have ever known. He led all of us by example.”

Dannenberg, a superintendent Somonauk CUSD #432 for 14 years, remembers Dr. Warfield as a special friend and someone he could always count on. “Walt was just a great guy,” Dennenberg said. “He had the ability to sit back and take it in before he found a way to react. That always brought out the best in him.” In 1992, Dr. Warfield was named the fourth executive director of IASA, which was founded in 1964. During his 14 years of

Dr. Warfield was a respected educator and trusted leader who led an extraordinary life and had an amazing career that spanned five decades. He is also remembered as a kind and compassionate person who always thought of others first, and as someone who deeply loved his wife and family. Dr. Warfield was born in Granite City and graduated from Granite City High School in 1964. He earned his bachelor of

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