Wells Fargo VP and community developer Clinton Waara joins McREL Board of Directors
October 25, 2007
Denver
—
Clinton D. Waara, community development officer and regional assistant vice president for Wells Fargo in Sioux Falls, S.D., has joined the Board of Directors of Mid-continent Research for Education and Learning (McREL).
Waara, who earned a B.S. in Political Science and teaching certification from South Dakota State University, is a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux tribe and has served in various positions that combine his interests in business and finance, education, and Native American issues. He has worked in Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota in assisting low- and moderate-income communities with their banking needs, and has developed and taught business and finance curricula for high school students and Native American college students. Waara is also currently a member of the South Dakota Board of Education.
"As a former classroom teacher and, now, as a community development practitioner, I see how important it is to properly prepare and support our educational systems in order to create healthy, viable communities," Waara said. As a Board member, he hopes to continue his mission of improving high school graduation and college attainment rates among Native communities.
Tim Waters, McREL President and CEO, said, "Mr. Waara brings to our Board a unique perspective on education issues and a passionate vision for helping underserved populations in our region."
Other Board members from South Dakota include Rick Melmer, secretary of the Department of Education and Cultural Affairs, and Tom Hawley, dean of the School of Education at Northern State University.
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McREL is a nationally recognized, private, nonprofit organization located in Denver, Colo., dedicated to improving education for all students through applied research, product development and service. In 2006, McREL provided research-based guidance to educators and policymakers in 42 states across the U.S.
