Dr. Karen Orcutt
Superintendent of Orono Schools

I was born and raised in St. Joseph, Missouri, which is in the northwestern part of the state along the Missouri River. I graduated from Central High School. Growing up, I loved to play outside with pets and being in nature. I loved school and played school in our basement when I came home from school. I had wonderful friends and teachers and a very fun childhood.

The University of Minnesota is where I came for a degree in Communication Disorders followed by a Doctorate in Educational Leadership at Saint Mary’s. I also obtained both an Education Specialist Degree in Educational Administration, and a Masters Degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology.

My career has lead me to:

• Speech Pathologist and Program Coordinator, Public Schools of St. Peter, Minnesota
• Coordinator, Early Childhood/Speech Services, MN Valley Special Education Cooperative
• Speech Pathologist, Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis
• Speech Pathologist, Orono
• Director, Special Services, Orono
• Assistant Superintendent for Programs, Orono
• Superintendent, Orono

During my career, I am most proud of the following:

• Richard Green Scholar Award (Minnesota Association of School Administrators)
• District Leadership for Excellence in Communication Award
  (Minnesota School Public Relations Association)
• Humphrey Institute, Reflective Leadership Program
• Bush Public Schools Executive Fellows Program
• Alliance for Renewal in Special Education Fellowship
• Director, Minnesota Association of School Administrators Board of Directors
• Writer and Board of Directors, Superintendency Institute

I have two Golden Retrievers, Lindee and Oakley, and three horses, Mirage, Aggie and Baby Grace.  When I am not at school, I love to read and write and explore nature, and have fun with friends.

In closing, I would like to leave you with two thoughts: I like to laugh at life in general, funny movies, and laugh with friends. My favorite quote is: “You cannot always control external events, but you can control your reaction to them by what you believe and what you do.”