DES MOINES, Iowa — The Iowa School Public Relations Association (ISPRA) has named Mike Cyze, Chief Communication Officer for the Dubuque Community School District, as the 2025–26 ISPRA Communicator of the Year.
The annual award honors one exceptional leader who is making an impact in K-12 school communications in Iowa. Nominees are evaluated based on four key areas: leadership, communication, professionalism, and community involvement.
Cyze was nominated by Dubuque Superintendent Amy Hawkins, who praised his communication expertise, strategic thinking, and deep commitment to the community.
“Mike is a rock star,” Hawkins wrote in the nomination. “People are eager to listen to what he has to say. Mike has a sense of calm in a challenging situation and yet is always excited to find ways to celebrate the positive happenings in our district.”
Under Cyze’s leadership, the Dubuque Community School District’s communications efforts have earned statewide and national recognition. The district’s five-year strategic plan, which he helped develop and implement, received an National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) Award of Excellence earlier this year.
Additionally, Cyze has served on the ISPRA board for more than a decade and is currently the organization’s treasurer. He regularly presents at state and national conferences, sharing his expertise in topics such as strategic planning and enrollment marketing.
Beyond his district work, Cyze is engaged in the Dubuque community, serving as board chair for the United Way of Dubuque Area Tri-States, a member of the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce Policy Cabinet, and co-chair of the Iowa Urban Education Network Communicators Job-Alike Group.
“Mike has consistently demonstrated extraordinary leadership,” wrote Danielle Leibfried, President & CEO of the United Way of Dubuque Area Tri-States in a letter of support for Cyze’s nomination. “He brings together educators, nonprofit leaders, parents, and business partners to drive innovative approaches that improve educational outcomes and support youth success.”
Cyze was recognized during the ISPRA Fall Conference on October 17. As this year’s recipient, he will be eligible for the NSPRA Communicator of the Year award and will represent Iowa at the 2026 NSPRA National Seminar in New Orleans.
For more information about the Iowa School Public Relations Association, visit www.ispra.org.