Joe Lubig joined NMU in 2002, and has served as associate dean and director for the School of Education, Leadership and Public Service since 2011. He was fortunate to have served as the department head for the Center for Native American Studies from 2019-2024, giving him the opportunity to gain leadership skills and knowledge through an Indigenous lens. His innovative leadership exemplifies the criteria that the Faculty Leadership Award seeks to honor, particularly in advancing innovative initiatives, inspiring others and fostering a culture of inclusivity and integrity.
While he takes pride in the international and national leadership work he does, nothing makes Lubig more proud than experiencing the everyday implementation, challenge and learning that comes from the statewide, regional and local collaboration of which he is a part. He said there is a joy that comes from being able to see the friends, family and community he cares about directly benefiting from a problem solved or opportunity seized. It is this feeling that motivates him to take leadership risks with the amazing professionals and students he works with on a daily basis.
The best experience Lubig has as a leader is the daily opportunity to learn from the students, staff, faculty and community partners who are focused on the same goals and outcomes that improve the lives of the pre-K through grade 12 students, and the communities they will lead in the future.