By Neosho County Community College
CHANUTE, Kan. — The Kansas Art Education Association (KAEA) has named Joe Summers the 2024-25 Outstanding Middle Level Art Educator of the year. The award will be officially presented at the KAEA Fall Conference in Junction City, Kan., on Saturday, Oct. 19.
“I am honored to be the Kansas Art Education Association’s Middle Level Art Teacher of the Year, Summers said. “I enjoyed working with students and faculty during my time at Royster Middle School and I look forward to teaching even more students at Neosho County Community College.”
Summers was nominated by Rebecca Lomshek, KAEA Regional Coordinator and Pittsburg High School art teacher.
“Joe Summers is an exemplary educator whose passion for art, dedication to student success, and innovative contributions to the arts community made him an ideal candidate for the KAEA Middle Level Art Educator of the Year,” Lomshek said.
Summers is a highly respected Kansas art educator who has served as an art educator in Kansas for over 20 years, including most recently at Royster Middle School. Summers’ educational experience includes bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Pittsburg State University. He has also studied multiple aspects of ceramics in workshops with Danney Meisinger, Dave Sturm, and Andrew Martin. He now serves as the Art Instructor at Neosho County Community College (NCCC).
“We are so thrilled to welcome Mr. Summers to the college and are excited to see his passion for art education and how that will enrich our students’ lives moving forward,” said Dr, Sarah Robb, NCCC Vice President for Student Learning.
Throughout his teaching career Summers has made significant contributions to the arts community by organizing and hosting regional art competitions for students. These events showcase the talents of young artists and provide them with valuable opportunities for recognition and growth in their artistic journey.
“We are so excited to have Joe join our wonderful faculty at NCCC,” said Dr. Brian Inbody, NCCC President. “He brings some amazing creativity and enthusiasm that our students will truly benefit from.”
Summers initiated the “Robot Art Across Kansas” guerrilla art project. This ongoing event involves creating ceramic robot sculptures with his children and art students, which are then strategically placed throughout Kansas for people to discover, keep, and enjoy. This project serves as a way to bring art to unexpected places and foster a sense of community engagement and creativity among participants.
Summers also serves as a valued mentor to many.
“He pushed me beyond my expectations of myself, my art, and my educational and professional hopes,” said DeAnna Fawcett, a former student and colleague of Summers. “He pointed me on the path to success in my life, and I will always be grateful for his influence.”
The Kansas Art Education Association (KAEA) is a statewide professional organization dedicated to the growth and development of art educators and the advancement of high-quality art education.
