A 1962 graduate Chadron State College graduate was recently honored by the Learning Disabilities Association (LDA) of America.

Dr. Richard Owens of Sioux City, Iowa, received the group’s prestigious Sam Kirk Educator of the Year Award, named for a pioneering psychologist in the field of learning disabilities.

Owens, who grew up in Keya Paha County in north central Nebraska, earned a Bachelor of Science in Education Degree from Chadron State in 1962 and a Master of Science in Education degree from the college in 1965 while teaching in O’Neill.  He went on to receive his doctorate from the University of Nebraska.

Owens spent more than 20 years teaching in K-12 schools in Nebraska and Iowa, 8 years supporting K-12 schools as an administrator for the Western Hills Area Education Agency in Iowa, and about 20 years as a professor at Morningside College in Sioux City.

After retiring from teaching, Owens continued to work part-time at Morningside as the Education Department’s professional development coordinator. He is now Morningside’s director of special projects.

The LDA Kirk award isn’t the first time Owens has been recognized for his work. In 2007, Owens received the Iowa Governor’s Volunteer Award for his work to ensure appropriate education and services for persons with learning disabilities.

Owens’ wife, the former Verlee Peterson, also earned her bachelor’s degree from Chadron State and was a high school teacher before retiring.

—Con Marshall