The Kentucky Association of School Administrators (KASA) has named longtime Kentucky education advocate Benny Dunning as the 2026 recipient of the William T. Nallia Educational Leadership Award, recognizing a lifetime of
service dedicated to creating opportunities for others and strengthening public education across the Commonwealth.
Presented annually during KASA’s Annual Leadership Institute, the William T. Nallia Educational Leadership Award honors individuals whose vision, leadership and commitment reflect the enduring values of one of Kentucky’s most influential educational leaders. Named for William T. Nallia, who served as KASA’s executive director from 1975 to 1986, the award recognizes those whose impact extends far beyond their own careers through lasting contributions to students, educators and communities.
For Dunning, leadership has always been measured not by personal achievement, but by the opportunities created for others.
That philosophy inspired the creation of the Benny Dunning Pay It Forward Scholarship, a program that helps Kentucky public school graduates pursue higher education while encouraging each recipient to continue a cycle of generosity and service. Since its establishment, the scholarship has become a lasting reminder that a single act of kindness can influence generations of students and future leaders.
“Benny Dunning reminds us that the most meaningful legacy we leave isn’t found in titles or accolades—it’s found in the lives we change,” said Dr. Rhonda Caldwell, executive director of KASA. “His unwavering belief in lifting others up has opened doors for students across Kentucky and challenged all of us to think beyond our own success. Benny has shown us that leadership is at its very best when it inspires others to carry that work forward.”
Dunning’s influence extends well beyond the scholarship that bears his name. Throughout his career, he has been known as a mentor, encourager and champion for Kentucky’s schools, consistently investing in people and believing in their potential long before they believed in themselves.
That commitment reflects the very purpose of the William T. Nallia Award.
Each year, KASA’s Board of Directors selects a recipient whose service exemplifies visionary leadership, selfless commitment and a dedication to advancing public education throughout the Commonwealth. Like Nallia himself, Dunning’s leadership has created opportunities that will continue shaping Kentucky long after today’s students become tomorrow’s educators, community leaders and public servants.
The award was presented during the opening general session of KASA’s 2026 Annual Leadership Institute, held July 29–31 in Louisville. This year’s conference theme, Kentucky’s Education Future in Focus, celebrated the leaders, partnerships and investments that continue shaping the future of public education across the Commonwealth.
As conference attendees reflected on the past, present and future of Kentucky education, Dunning’s story served as a powerful reminder that lasting change often begins with one person choosing to invest in someone else.
“Every day, Kentucky’s school leaders make decisions that shape lives,” Caldwell said. “Benny’s example reminds us that the greatest investment we can make is in people. His generosity continues to create opportunities for students he may never meet, and that is a legacy worthy of this extraordinary honor.”
About the William T. Nallia Educational Leadership Award
The William T. Nallia Educational Leadership Award is one of KASA’s highest honors. Named for former KASA Executive Director William T. Nallia, the award recognizes individuals whose exceptional leadership, service and commitment have advanced public education and strengthened educational leadership throughout Kentucky.
About KASA
The Kentucky Association of School Administrators (KASA) is the Commonwealth’s largest school administrator organization, serving more than 3,300 education leaders across Kentucky. Through leadership development, advocacy, networking and professional learning, KASA equips school leaders to provide every Kentucky student with access to an excellent public education.