Dr. Gerry Chase
Class of 1983
Education has always been the highest of priorities for Dr. Gerry Chase. Following his graduation from Big Piney High School, Gerry enrolled at the University of Wyoming. In 1987, he earned his Bachelor Degree in Music Education. Years later in 1996, Chase earned his Master’s Degree in School Administration. His passions for student development as well as his personal goals for professional leadership, Dr. Gerry Chase was awarded his prestigious Doctorate of Educational Leadership from the University of Wyoming in 2014
Chase started his music teaching in Montana’s Missoula County School District. Two years later, he returned to Wyoming with a stint as a band teacher at Douglas High School. A few years later he was named the Middle School Band Director in the Sheridan County Schools. It was during this time that Chase earned his Master’s Degree leading him into his school administration career.
For three years, Gerry was the Jr/Sr High School Principal in the Hanna/Elk Mountain (WY) School. In 1999, Chase returned to his roots in Big Piney as he served as the Middle School principal from 1999 through 2008. In 2008, Dr Chase named Superintendent of Sublette School District #9. He served at that capacity through 2014 stressing academic improvement utilizing a variety of initiatives.
Serving as the Superintendent of Johnson County School District #1 from 2014 to 2018, Dr. Chase worked closely with then Governor Matt Mead and legislators to develop solutions to school funding, helping the state avoid conflicts while securing better resources for the Wyoming School Districts. As a result of these efforts as well as his statewide leadership roles, Dr. Chase was named the 2018 Wyoming Superintendent of the Year.
Throughout Dr. Chase’s career, he has served in a variety of leadership positions. He served as President of the Wyoming Association of Secondary School Principals (2003-2004) and is still an active WASSP member. In 2016-2017, he served a term as President of Wyoming Association of School Administrators (WASA) and continued membership in the association as well as membership in the Wyoming Music Educators Association (WMEA).
After decades of these high leadership roles, Gerry Chase has returned to his teaching roots serving as K-12 Music Instructor for Sheridan County School District #3. Dr. Chase also works as an Intervention Specialist where he continues to impact students and staff with his mentorship. wisdom and dedication to improving education.