Alumni Spotlight - Issue 14 - ExLA

Dr. Adam Young

Superintendent, White Pine County School District

An Ely, Nevada native, Superintendent Adam Young has dedicated more than three decades to serving students, families, and schools across rural Nevada. His story is one of deep community roots and enduring commitment, shaped early on by a mother who was a teacher and counselor and by a hometown that taught him the value of resilience, service, and belonging.

After earning both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Dr. Young returned to Ely to begin teaching social studies. He quickly found that supporting students was where he belonged. His experience at an alternative school deepened his understanding of how to reach young people who felt disconnected from traditional education—a lesson that continues to guide his leadership grounded in empathy, persistence, and high expectations.

Dr. Young went on to teach English and choir at White Pine High School, where he witnessed the power of music and its ability to build confidence and community. His passion for student-centered learning drove him first into administration as dean and, by age 28, principal of White Pine High School. Over his 13 years as principal, he earned the trust of educators and strengthened collaboration across the district, helping foster innovation and continuous improvement.

In 2016, Dr. Young became superintendent of the White Pine County School District, where his leadership has centered on the belief that even small, rural districts deserve bold ideas and meaningful opportunities. Under his guidance, White Pine County Schools have become known statewide for initiatives such as standards-based grading, embedded professional learning, the districtwide Portrait of a Learner framework, and the creation of the STEAM Academy—all shaped through community voice and local pride.

Now in his tenth year as superintendent, Dr. Young has been recognized as both the Nevada Association of School Boards’ Superintendent of the Year (2024) and the Nevada Association of School Superintendents’ Superintendent of the Year (2025). He is the past president of the Nevada Association of School Superintendents and currently serves on the WestEd Board of Directors and the Nevada Commission on Innovation and Excellence in Education.

A lifelong White Pine resident, an alum of the Leadership Institute of Nevada’s Executive Leadership Academy, and a proud graduate of White Pine High School, Dr. Young recently defended his doctoral dissertation at Brigham Young University. Outside of work, he treasures time with his sons, daughter-in-law, and two granddaughters—and can often be found playing pickleball with them.

We are honored to present Dr. Adam Young with the celebrated Drivers Award.