The son of Clyde Pennington and Lillian Rina Medlar, Richard Lee Medlar is a dedicated educator with 45 years of teaching experience to his credit. He considers himself fortunate to be able to find a niche in life that fits his personality and goals well. He became involved in the field of education as the result of an advisor’s advice, who recognized his affinity and potential for teaching history and political science.
Mr. Medlar received his formal education by obtaining a Bachelor of Arts from Wartburg College in 1967 and later, a Master of Science in social studies education from Northern Illinois University in 1973. He began his career teaching in Earlville, Illinois, and then on to Ottawa Marquette High School in Ottawa, Illinois. At these schools, he was both a basketball and football coach. After six years in Illinois, he moved to Dickinson, North Dakota, as a social studies teacher, and here he started his career as a tennis coach. He served as the Head Boys and Girls tennis coach at Dickinson for 29 years. In 2003, he moved from high school teaching to become a member of the Dickinson State College for five years.
While at Dickinson High School, he received the honor of being selected as the 1984 Boys Tennis Coach of the Year in North Dakota.
In his retirement, he remains active in the prison ministry, Crossroad Connections. This program aids those inmates nearing reentry back into society with job skills development, employment, housing and religious services. He also has worked as a leader of a grief group and bus driver for his local church. His greatest pleasure comes when he speaks with former students and sees the changes in their lives. In his spare time, Mr. Medlar enjoys playing tennis, fly fishing, and goose hunting.
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