Alumni Achievement Award
College of Human Sciences
Established in 1992 to recognize meritorious service and/or distinguished achievements of College of Human Sciences graduates in areas such as business and industry, education, family and consumer sciences, and health

David L. Long

PhD Educational Administration ’91
Canyon Lake, Calif.

For 47 years, David Long has used education to prepare youth for the journey of life. In 2007, Long was appointed California’s Secretary of Education, a position in which he oversaw the educational development of the state’s 6.5 million students.

Long has gained experience as an instructor, coach, athletic director, principal, district superintendent, and county superintendent throughout schools in Iowa and California. A highly regarded and honored educator, Long has improved the California education system with his innovative plans for success.

One of Long’s major focuses was on standardized testing and raising test scores throughout California. Long created the Riverside County Achievement Teams to improve test results and initiated a countywide data integration system to score and report test data. 

Long’s passion for helping others is evident in his community and education honors. He is a commissioner of the First 5 Riverside, an initiative that invests in physical health, social-emotional health, cognitive development, stable home environments, and schools. He has earned the Lifetime Achievement Award from 23rd District PTA, the Lifelong Learning Award from the Boy Scouts of America, and the prestigious Marcus Foster Memorial Award from the Association of California School Administrators for outstanding leadership and significant contributions to public education.

He is an ISU Alumni Association annual member.