URBANDALE, IA, July 22, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Wendy Prigge has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Dr. Prigge was born in Cedar Falls, Iowa, where her early years were marked by a deep appreciation for reading and learning, fostered through frequent visits to the Cedar Falls Public Library. These formative experiences contributed significantly to her intellectual development, equipping her with advanced vocabulary and comprehension skills that would later underpin her academic and professional achievements. The influence of her father, a biochemistry professor at the University of Northern Iowa, instilled in her a commitment to intellectual rigor and lifelong learning, while her mother's example of kindness and genuine interest in others shaped her approach to leadership and community engagement.

Dr. Prigge began her higher education at the University of Northern Iowa, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and language arts teacher education in 1972 while also raising her daughter, demonstrating her dedication and resilience early on. She continued her studies at The University of Iowa, obtaining a Master of Arts in English in 1984 as well as a Doctor of Philosophy in educational leadership and administration in 1991.

Commencing her professional career as a high school English teacher with Mid-Prairie School District from 1980 to 1984, Dr. Prigge quickly cultivated a passion for fostering student growth and academic excellence. She then served as a talented and gifted coordinator for the Muscatine Community School District from 1984 to 1989, where she developed scholastic programs to support advanced learners.

From 1991 to 1993, Dr. Prigge worked with Des Moines Public Schools as both a teacher and Vision 2005 coordinator, contributing to curriculum innovation and strategic planning initiatives aimed at enhancing educational outcomes across the district. Her leadership trajectory continued as she became an associate principal with Urbandale Community School District from 1993 to 1999, during which she played an integral role in school administration and student affairs.

Dr. Prigge established Metro West Learning Academy within Urbandale Community from 1998 to 2003, overseeing alternative education programs designed to meet the needs of gifted students, student parents, those with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and individuals with mental health struggles.

Though her career counts many milestones, Dr. Prigge's tenure as superintendent of schools for Atlantic Community School District from 2003 to 2009 stands as her proudest professional achievement. As only the fifth woman in the State of Iowa to become a school superintendent — and the first woman to hold this position in Atlantic Community — she broke new ground during an era when women rarely occupied such roles. Her leadership was distinguished by strong civic relations and mutual respect; she never experienced disrespect from community members and continues to maintain connections with many residents today.

Following her superintendency, Dr. Prigge served as an adjunct instructor at Viterbo University from 2002 to 2013, teaching research and data analysis courses while sharing her expertise with aspiring educators and administrators. Since 2013, she has worked as a self-employed consultant, providing guidance on educational leadership and organizational development.

Beyond her commitment to her students and colleagues, Dr. Prigge is engaged in civic-minded initiatives through active involvement with Windsor Heights Lutheran Church. She has also served as both Bible study co-chair and past president of Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, contributing her time to faith-based community initiatives. Happily married and the proud mother of one daughter, she also enjoys creative hobbies such as painting, playing piano duets and reading as a balance to her work responsibilities.

Dr. Prigge's legacy is further reflected in the perpetual nursing scholarship established in her father's name at the University of Northern Iowa, which supports nursing students amid the ongoing nursing shortage throughout the state — a testament to her family's enduring commitment to education, service and helping those in need.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. The suite of Marquis® publications, including Who's Who in America® and Who's Who in the World®, remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the globe. Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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