Wayne Dempsy Worner

Dr. Worner is a native of Wahpeton, North Dakota who graduated from Wahpeton High School in 1955; he attended NDSSS in 56-57 and graduated in 1957. He attended and graduated from NDSU in 1959 with a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry. Worner went on to complete his master’s degree at NDSU in 1962 and received his doctorate in School Administration from UND in 1966. During his career he served as a middle school and high school teacher and administrator. He was a leader and innovator during a time of great change for school districts across the nation.

In 1971 Worner was invited to create the new College of Education at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia. In this position he served as the first division chairman in Curriculum and Instruction where he had the opportunity to create a world class undergraduate and graduate teacher education program. The program focused on pre-service and graduate training for students using a field-based and problem-centered model that was nationally recognized as one of the best teacher training programs in the country. Three years later he became chairman of the Administrative and Educational Services Division which housed programs for the preparation of administrators for public schools, community colleges and other higher education institutions.  The Danforth Foundation recognized these programs as exemplars in the field.

Worner concluded his work at Virginia Tech serving as Dean of the College of Education while leading the effort to restructure the College. Since retiring from Virginia Tech in 1996 he has served the educational sector as a consultant and has worked with educational institutions all over the USA.

Dr.  Worner is married to the former Kathie Dougherty of Wahpeton, ND. They have three children, Scott, Rebecca and Tami, all of whom live and work in Virginia. His mother, Pauline Worner, a former student at NDSSS, resides in Wahpeton.  His two brothers, Mike and Roger, are also former graduates of NDSCS.