Servant Leadership Across Borders: The Journey of Josh Adams as highlighted through our Alumni Spotlight Series
Meet Josh Adams, '02, '05, Ed Leadership graduate who has been a school leader with the Department of Defense Education Activity since 2010 where he's been either overseas or in the DC area working as a principal, superintendent, and branch chief at their headquarters.
“I thank the University of Oregon College of Education and the Ed leadership program there for setting me up for success as I embarked into my career. I still benefit from it today!” – Josh Adams
Josh Adams, a University of Oregon College of Education alumnus, exemplifies the transformative power of servant leadership in education. From his early days in Madras, Oregon to his current role in Japan with the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA), Adams has built a career rooted in empathy, mentorship, and global impact.
Adams’ educational journey began in Bend, Oregon, where he graduated from Bend Senior High School. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Portland State University and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Oregon. Yet, it was his return to the University of Oregon College of Education (COE) for his initial and continuing educational administration licensure in 2002 and 2005 that truly shaped his path.
Reflecting on his time at the COE, Adams shared, “I cannot imagine sending aspiring school leaders out into their careers without a formal, structured and supportive higher education learning experience.” His practicum at Pleasant Hill Middle School was a pivotal moment, giving him the confidence to lead. “It showed me what work as a school leader is really like and at the same time built my confidence that I could do it and do it well,” he said.
Adams’ career began in Jefferson County School District, where he served for eight years as a middle school assistant principal and elementary principal. In 2010, he joined DoDEA as a school administrator in Ramstein, Germany. Since then, his leadership has spanned continents, including roles in the U.S., Germany, Japan, and at DoDEA headquarters in Virginia.
A defining theme of Adams’ career is servant leadership, a concept he credits to Dr. Nancy Golden, one of his professors at the COE. “Dr. Golden taught the concept of servant leadership in class and in real life,” Adams recalled. “Because of our COE connection she allowed me to come and shadow her for a day and see firsthand what servant leadership looked like. I have repeated things I learned from her that day dozens of times to young leaders.”
This philosophy has guided Adams through challenging moments, including mentoring a principal on the verge of quitting. “It was my privilege to work with him weekly for a year to help him relearn why he loved education and find his strength as a leader. He stayed and thrived!” Adams said. These experiences affirm his commitment to education and his belief in the power of support and coaching.
Adams also emphasized the importance of community during his time at the COE. “Working in a COE cohort was absolutely essential to balance my work, education and personal needs,” he said. The camaraderie and shared challenges created a support system that extended beyond graduation. “We worked hard, learned from each other, laughed together and had wonderful and collaborative moments as a team.”
Even after two decades, Adams remains deeply connected to the University of Oregon. “I always feel at home when I drive onto the UO Campus and remember my time there,” he said. He fondly recalls walking from campus to Autzen Stadium and spending time in the outdoor areas around the College of Education.
Now in the final third of his career, Adams is pursuing an EdD, fulfilling a personal goal and continuing his lifelong love of learning. “I always told myself I would finish my career with an EdD, and the time is right,” he said. He hopes to return to Oregon to finish where he started, bringing his global experience full circle.
Adams’ advice to aspiring educators is simple yet profound: “Deeply immerse yourself in the learning. The program is designed with your success and growth in mind…embrace it.”
Through his journey, Josh Adams has demonstrated that leadership is not about authority, it’s about service, connection, and the courage to uplift others. His story is a testament to the enduring impact of the University of Oregon College of Education and the power of servant leadership across borders.