George L. Zickefoose, Ed.D., veteran educator and current principal of Warhawk Elementary School in the Vallivue School District, has been named this year’s L.E. Wesche Outstanding Educator. The award was presented at a private reception on Tuesday, April 21, 2026.
Zickefoose brings nearly four decades of experience in education, serving in a wide range of roles as a teacher, principal and international school leader. A graduate of Northwest Nazarene University, where he earned both his Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction, he later completed his Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership. Throughout his career, he has remained committed to developing students, supporting educators and leading schools with integrity and purpose.
His leadership has spanned classrooms and campuses across the United States, South Korea and Ethiopia. Most recently, Zickefoose returned to Idaho to invest in the local community, serving as principal in the Nampa School District before stepping into his current role in the Vallivue School District. In 2025, he opened Warhawk Elementary as its founding principal, helping establish the school’s vision, culture and systems in partnership with staff, students and families.
Zickefoose is widely recognized for his collaborative leadership style and his commitment to building strong, student-centered school communities. His work reflects a deep belief in education as a calling; one that creates meaningful impact through purposeful growth, service and relationships. His faith has also played a central role in shaping his approach to leadership, guiding his desire to serve others and invest in each community he has been part of.
“In selecting recipients for the L.E. Wesche Award, we look for individuals whose influence goes beyond their job description. Those who inspire, lead with integrity and reflect the heart of NNU’s mission,” said Holly Ripley, Education Department Chair. “Dr. Zickefoose has been a faithful servant in education, leading wherever God has him. The person in front of him is always the most important person in the room. His reputation of kindness is rooted in a sincere faith.”
This award is named in honor of Dr. Lilburn Wesche, NNU Faculty Emeritus, who graduated from Northwest Nazarene College in 1951. During his 30-year career at NNU, Dr. Wesche served as a professor, head of the education department, director of teacher education, director of graduate studies, interim academic dean and chair of the division of professional studies. Award recipients are current or retired professionals who have made a positive and lasting impact in education that extends beyond the classroom.
