Pittsburg USD250 Education Foundation Announces Distinguished Alumni

The Distinguished Alumni provides recognition for Pittsburg High School graduates who have distinguished themselves and inspires our students to greater achievement. Pittsburg High School graduates who have made a significant contribution of time, talent, or effort to their profession, community, country or the world may be nominated. Nominees should possess high moral character and serve as a positive example to others by providing leadership in activities, which promote the greater good. The recipient’s portrait will be placed on the Distinguished Alumni Wall at Pittsburg High School.

The USD 250 Foundation is pleased to announce the 2017 Pittsburg High School Distinguished Alumnus, Joseph South, class of 1989.

South has distinguished himself both through his career and personal accomplishments by working to help people get access to technology no matter where they live or what their economic status might be. He was asked on behalf of President Obama to serve as the Director of the Office of Educational Technology with the United States Department of Education. Most significant has been his work in the designing of the National Education Technology Plan for the US Department of Education, to promote universal broadband in all public schools, and to find ways for students to use technology in a way that prepares them for college and future careers.

His talent has been recognized internationally and his expertise has been sought to lead learning programs and consult on projects in China, Korea, Mexico, South America, and the Middle East. He is a co-inventor of a patented educational environment and has worked with the EPA and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Because of his insight and expertise in the field, he was selected to record a TEDx TALK on the importance of empowering students by giving them technology tools. It was published in June of 2016 and in it, he mentions his middle school shop teacher in Kansas who helped ignite his interest in technology.

Mr. South attended both George Nettles Elementary and Pittsburg Middle School. Following his graduation from PHS, Joseph served for two years as a missionary in South Africa. He continued his education at Brigham Young University and obtained his Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctorate in Instructional Psychology and Technology.

Mr. South will give the keynote speech at the Pittsburg High School Graduation on May 20, 2017 at 2pm.