For Dr. Jay Marquand, leadership in adult education isn’t just about opening doors — it’s about ensuring that every learner has a pathway forward, no matter their circumstances. As district administrator of adult education schools and programs at Sweetwater Union High School District, Marquand has centered his work on access, innovation and equity, earning him honors as the 2025 Adult Education Administrator of the Year.

Marquand oversees four schools with 10,000 students and 160 staff; course offerings range from career technical education to ESL classes to High School Diploma, GED and HiSet diplomas and certifications. The schools offer a multitude of academic classes for students pursuing post-secondary education or workforce development programs, as well as services to support adults with disabilities, certificated counseling, and guidance services.

Marquand leads teams that support some of the district’s most vulnerable students including English learners, incarcerated populations, military-connected families, LGBTQ+/affinity students and students with special needs. His partnerships with district colleagues and outside agencies such as the regional consortium, community colleges and workforce partners in education have given the students, staff and communities he serves the opportunities to achieve their educational goals.

He has implemented and supported college and career technology-based curriculum and instruction programs while securing and managing additional federal and state grants. Marquand also uses assessment and engagement data to lead his teams in refining practices and closing opportunity gaps.

“A visionary leader, Dr. Marquand doesn’t just talk about the future — he takes action,” said Assistant Superintendent of Educational Equity and Support Services Vernon Moore. “He has led his division with initiatives such as developing a comprehensive long-term strategic plan, providing collaboration opportunities for staff professional development, and integrating innovative technologies to improve student outcomes.”

What’s your favorite book or quote on leadership? “Intelligence plus character — that is the goal of a true education.” — Martin Luther King

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given? More than half of life is showing up.

What’s your best strategy for work-life balance? Family first! Specifically, taking time to spend with my beautiful wife and children, building memories, which creates joy and a sense of purpose/“recharging your batteries.” I feel I’m a much better leader when I get into work, when I have spent time focusing on my family, enjoying, teaching and learning, with them. Additionally, intentionally calendaring time for health and well-being — outdoors and exercise. It’s the same philosophy I want for those I’m honored to lead and serve. If people know you authentically care about them and their well-being (personal first/family first) then they will be that much better to serve others in the professional environment on campus or in the classroom.

What are some life hacks that you would recommend for a new administrator? Look, listen and observe. Moreover, I always observe and learn from what other leaders are demonstrating, so I can apply or not apply, in my own leadership practices. This includes a lot of self-reflection — “the reflective practitioner.” Also, have some great mentors who are experienced and can provide exceptional advice.

What would people be surprised to learn about you? I was a California State Parks Beach Lifeguard for 17 years, starting when I was a senior in high school. It was an incredible experience that complemented my early days of teaching — then in the summers, I would lifeguard at the beach. It was another way of serving the public in a unique and sometimes urgent and critical manner, sometimes very similar of serving those in a classroom or on a campus.

What made you want to become a school administrator? An exceptional group of mentors that saw the potential and passion in me and guided me in that direction. The first two mentors were my parents, who were professional educators. Certainly other administrative leaders over the course of my 30-plus years in education, who I still connect with today.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve overcome to get where you are? One of the ways I approach challenges is by looking at them through the lens of an “opportunity” and navigating the political landscape in educational leadership is one of those “opportunities.” I find it very fascinating how topics can become “politicized” in order to move an agenda forward that may or may not be in the best interest of students, or at times, even lawful for that matter. The common ground is understanding that we can all agree with putting students at the center of our decision making, while listening empathetically to everyone’s viewpoints, then together determining the best outcome of the challenge/opportunity being presented.

What are you most proud of accomplishing? Being student centered, always! That is one major piece of ACSA that I have always appreciated, even in our mission statement it has students in the language and at the center of our core values. If you are continually centered on students and serving in their best interests, then typically you are serving the staff you lead and support as well. When you have systems in place on campuses and at the district level that put students first, then everyone can rally behind that purpose!

How has ACSA supported you in your career/current position? The professional development ACSA continues to offer has been central to my leadership. Whether it’s taking the yearlong academy classes for certification, or participating in Legislative Action Day, to being on councils and committees, my leadership has absolutely grown because of ACSA and the network of leaders I have met over the years. I would always encourage any educational administrative leader to become a member of ACSA, for life. It’s the best learning that you will integrate into your own practices and also be able to share with others.

The theme for this year’s Leadership Summit is “Lead Loudly: Sharing Stories, Building Bridges.” What does Leading Loudly mean to you? Since I regard myself first and foremost a teacher, whether it’s teaching students, staff or myself so we all become the best version of ourselves to serve others, being a “loud” leader is really teaching and modeling through words and the actions. I have been very successful in my career of demonstrating what it means to be a leader, primarily because I have learned from some outstanding mentors, which continues to this day. Lifelong learning is what separates good leaders from great leaders and if you have an open mind to learn every day and doing so with other peoples’ perspectives in mind, you will be that much better as a “loud” leader.