By Mike Greife,
August 17, 2017
WARRENSBURG, MO – Beth Rutt, Warrensburg, recently was honored by the Missouri Department
of Elementary and Secondary Education with its prestigious Pioneer in Education Award.
Rutt was recognized for her commitment and contributions to education in Warrensburg
as a longtime member of the Warrensburg R-6 School District Board of Education. She
was one of six Missourians to receive the award at the 56th DESE Annual Cooperative
Conference for School Administrators.
Rutt has served on the R-6 Board of Education for a total of 27 years, including five
years as president. During her tenure, the district has experienced significant growth
in enrollment and capital development.
“It is a true honor to receive this recognition,” Rutt said. “I didn’t receive this
award because of what I have done, but because of the many people who have helped
and enabled me throughout the years. This is an award for my fellow school board members
with whom I have served, as well as the faculty and staff of the district. Warrensburg
is and has been blessed some the best teachers and administrators.”
“Mrs. Rutt’s contributions to our community over the past 34 years show her unwavering
commitment to Warrensburg,” said Scott Patrick, Warrensburg R-6 superintendent of
schools.“Her impact and service during this time has positively affected thousands
of students and staff members in the Warrensburg School District.The value of Mrs.
Rutt’s leadership and stability are unprecedented. No one is more deserving of this
honor and award than Beth Rutt.”
Rutt currently is the director of student activities at the University of Central
Missouri. She also has taught courses in recreation and leisure and leadership at
UCM and served on a variety of campus committees in leadership roles. She is past
president of the UCM Professional Staff Council and a recipient of the J.P. Mees Outstanding
Professional Staff Award and the UCM Student Government Association’s James C. Kirkpatrick
Excellence in Governance Award. She also provided leadership for the committee that
planned the construction of the UCM Student Recreation and Wellness Center.
Rutt is the daughter of the late D. E. Fenner and Liz Fenner of Lexington. She received
a bachelor’s degree in recreation and leisure education and a master’s degree in recreation
and public administration from UCM. She served as recreation supervisor for the Warrensburg
Parks and Recreation Department and joined the UCM staff in 2000 as an academic advisor.
She was named director of student activities in 2003.
Also receiving the award were Saundra Allen, art teacher from Jefferson City; Robert
Barrientos, businessman and entrepreneur from Kansas City; Robert Buchanan, retired
school superintendent and university professor from Sikeston; Larry Price, retired
educator and DESE area supervisor from Albany; and Sally Wear, retired school secretary
from St. Louis.
This is the 43rd consecutive year that DESE has presented the awards, which honor
teachers, administrators, citizens and lawmakers for their distinguished careers and
contributions to Missouri public school.
