Alumnus Bob Indihar named executive director of MREA
MSUM alumnus Bob Indihar has been named the next executive director to lead the Minnesota Rural Education Association (MREA). He holds a specialist degree and a master’s in educational administration from MSUM and a superintendent degree from St. Mary’s University.
Bob Indihar, superintendent of Moose Lake Public Schools, will join the Minnesota Rural Education Association this summer.
Indihar started his career teaching math and science at the secondary level in Detroit Lakes. He became the principal of Moose Lake High School in 1998. Indihar has served as superintendent of Moose Lake Public Schools since 2012.
MREA focuses on advancing the education, growth and development of learners in rural areas.
“Bob brings years of experience working in rural schools and is passionate about our mission at MREA,” said Lance Bagstad, president of the MREA Board of Directors and superintendent of Park Rapids Area Public Schools. “We welcome his energy and leadership as MREA continues to advocate for and support schools and students across Greater Minnesota.”
Dr. Fred Nolan, MREA’s current executive director, will retire this summer after leading the organization for nearly a decade. During his tenure, MREA has grown from a membership of about 130 school districts to approximately 230 school districts as well as more than 90 education cooperatives, businesses and other advocates.
“Through my involvement in MREA, I have seen how rural schools can have a stronger voice when we work together,” Indihar said. “I have seen the benefits of MREA’s advocacy and I am looking forward to continuing to work with my colleagues across the state for a cause that I wholeheartedly believe in – improving rural education.”
The MREA board of directors interviewed a strong group of finalists in March and Indihar was unanimously approved as executive director.
About
MREA
MREA is the only
organization that advocates exclusively for Greater Minnesota
schools. Under the leadership of school board members, administrators, teachers and
community members, MREA focuses on advancing the education, growth and
development of learners in rural areas. Learn more at MREAvoice.org.