Story by Riley Rohler
Photos by Emily Kebert

Educational leaders from across Missouri gathered at the University of Missouri on February 28, 2026 for the annual Hook Center Assembly, a day focused on strengthening public education through collaboration and leadership.

Held in Townsend Hall, this year’s event centered on the theme “Education in Motion: Creating Momentum for Missouri’s Public Schools,” reflecting a shared focus on progress, innovation and the continued work of moving Missouri’s public schools forward.

The day opened with remarks from Hook Center Director Sarah Diem and Dean Kui Xie, followed by a panel highlighting leadership across Missouri’s education system. Moderated by Helen Porter, Chief Schools Officer for Columbia Public Schools, the session featured the inaugural cohort of the Hook Center’s Leading the Way in Missouri honorees.

Representing roles across the education landscape, panelists shared how they are building collaboration, navigating challenges and driving progress in their schools and communities.

Exploring key issues in education

Breakout sessions throughout the day gave participants the opportunity to engage with timely topics shaping public PK-12 education in Missouri. Each session created space for deeper conversation and connection to the work happening in schools and districts across the state.

One session, led by Cindy Dudenhoffer from the School of Information Science & Learning Technologies, focused on the evolving role of artificial intelligence in schools. The discussion explored how policies and governance structures can support responsible use as these technologies become more integrated into educational settings.

Another session, led by Kimberley Nuetzmann with Clinical Experiences and Partnerships and Tony Castro from the Department of Learning, Teaching & Curriculum, highlighted the role of partnerships between the University of Missouri and surrounding school districts, including the MU Partnership for Educational Renewal (MPER). The session provided insight into how collaboration can support innovation and ongoing renewal in schools.

Linda Quinley from the Missouri School Boards Association addressed the complexities of public school funding, including current challenges related to resources, mandates and broader economic factors. Her session offered participants a clearer understanding of how funding decisions impact schools across the state.

Anne Alexander from the School of Law led a session focused on the shifting legal landscape surrounding school choice and its implications for public education systems. The session examined how evolving policies may influence districts, educators and families in the years ahead.

Across sessions, participants had the opportunity to engage with experts and consider how these topics connect to their own contexts.

Key perspectives on Missouri education

Missouri State Representative Raychel Proudie delivered the keynote address, offering a state-level perspective on education policy and emphasizing the importance of ongoing dialogue between educators and policymakers.

The day concluded with a second panel focused on emerging leadership. Moderated by Amanda Minear, principal of Alpha Hart Lewis Elementary, the session featured students from the Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis master’s principal preparation program. Panelists reflected on their paths to leadership and the opportunities and challenges facing the next generation of school leaders.

Building connection across the state

Throughout the Assembly, formal sessions and informal conversations created space for educators to share ideas, learn from one another and build connections across roles and regions.

The Hook Center Assembly continues to serve as a key forum for bringing together voices from across Missouri’s education system. By creating opportunities to engage with timely topics, share perspectives and build connections, the Assembly reflects an ongoing commitment to supporting the work of educators and strengthening public schools across the state.