Melydi Huyett, '06, Ready to Step Into Leadership Role as Dixon Superintendent
By Tony Scott

Melydi Huyett will start as superintendent of Dixon Public
Schools in July. She grew up in Dixon and attended NIU
as an SVCC transfer student.(Photo credit: Melydi Huyett)

Melydi Huyett, ’06, will bring her experience from a lengthy career in education when she steps into the role of superintendent of Dixon Public Schools on July 1.
 

Huyett currently serves as the principal of Centennial Elementary School the Polo Community Unit School District in Polo, Illinois, where she began as a teacher after graduating from NIU. 

“My work centers on improving teaching and learning while ensuring schools are safe, inclusive and responsive to the needs of the students, staff and families,” she said.
 

Returning as superintendent is a homecoming for Huyett, who grew up in Dixon and attended Dixon Public Schools, along with her parents and her husband, Matt. 

“Dixon has always been home, and growing up here has instilled in me strong values, a solid work ethic and a deep sense of community,” she said. “From an early age, I learned the importance of building relationships, serving others and showing up consistently — principles that continue to guide both my personal and professional life.”

Huyett attended NIU after transferring from Sauk Valley Community College. While pursuing her bachelor’s degree at NIU, Huyett continued to live in Dixon, where she had a job with the city that she’d held since she was a high school student. 

“While commuting required strong time-management and organization skills, it also allowed me to remain connected to my home community while fully engaging in my academic program,” she said. “I also commuted with three other students from Dixon, which provided an added layer of support during my transition from community college to a university setting.”

The support she received at NIU as an incoming transfer student was crucial to her success.

“NIU offered a clear and supportive pathway for students transitioning from community college, which was important to me as I planned the next step in my academic journey,” she said. 
 

As she settled into campus life, Huyett found that NIU's educator-preparation philosophy mirrorored the kind of impact she hoped to make in her own career.
 

“The university’s focus on preparing educators who are grounded in practice, service and leadership closely aligned with my own values and career goals,” she said. “Guidance from faculty and advisors within the College of Education played a critical role in my success, particularly as a transfer and commuting student.”

Huyett was involved in the Honors Program.

“In addition, I was recognized by the College of Education for my dedication to the teaching profession and had the opportunity to serve on a committee that met with the NIU president to discuss various topics related to the student experience,” she said. “These opportunities strengthened my connection to the university and reinforced my commitment to education, leadership and service.”

Huyett recalled Mary Keil, an academic advisor who made a tremendous impact on her as she progressed through her academic career at NIU.

“As a transfer student, I benefited greatly from the guidance of an outstanding advisor in the College of Education, Mary, who was instrumental in keeping me connected and engaged with NIU,” she said. “Her support played a significant role in my academic success and sense of belonging at NIU.”

She added, “Mary’s mentorship went beyond academic advising; she modeled professionalism, compassion and dedication to students, qualities that continue to influence my own approach as an educational leader.”

In addition to her bachelor’s degree, in 2022 Huyett received a Chief School Business Official endorsement from NIU. She earned a Master of Arts degree in reading instruction and a Doctorate in Education from Aurora University. She also holds endorsements in educational leadership and administrative superintendent from AU.

She serves as a mentor and coach to new administrators in Illinois through the Illinois Principals' Association (IPA) and serves on the Northwest Division IPA board as a treasurer. She also sits on the Whiteside Area Career Center (WACC) CEO board. 

Her time at NIU taught her lessons that have stayed with her throughout her life.

“In my view, a true NIU Huskie embodies curiosity, resilience and a commitment to community, which are values central to NIU,” she said. “For me, NIU was more than an academic experience; it helped to shape how I approach leadership, education and service every day.”

This is just one example of how NIU prepares students to become education professionals and leaders. Discover how NIU is fortifying our future at niuforward.com.