Central Lee Community School District has announced its 2025 Academic Hall of Fame inductees, honoring three individuals whose achievements reflect the values of education, innovation, and service.
This year’s honorees include David W. Koller, Class of 1976; Eric Lang, Class of 1990; and Dr. Leland “Lee” Morrison, Class of Honorary Staff.
A former valedictorian and Iowa Scholar, Koller combined academic excellence with a commitment to service. At Central Lee, he was active in student council, National Honor Society, the school newspaper, and numerous school events. He graduated magna cum laude from Central College and later earned a law degree from Pepperdine University, finishing in the top 25 percent of his class. Over a 40-year legal career, he has specialized in insurance law and asbestos litigation while maintaining a private practice in Redondo Beach, California. Known for his generosity, he has provided pro bono legal assistance to fellow Central Lee alumni and remains a dedicated advocate for justice and community support.
Lang is a leader in agricultural engineering and innovation, with nearly 30 patents to his name. After graduating from Central Lee and participating in an FFA exchange in Germany, Eric earned a degree in agricultural engineering from Iowa State University. His career with John Deere focused on new product development, and many of his designs remain in use today. Now a senior engineer with ISU’s Digital Agriculture department, Lang collaborates with industry leaders to develop engineering solutions and mentors the next generation of engineers. He is also the founder of Bluestem Technologies and remains actively involved in agriculture through his family farm near Vinton.
A lifelong educator and leader, Morrison began his career at Central Lee as a sixth grade teacher in 1975 and returned as superintendent from 1992 to 1999. With more than five decades in education, he served as a principal, superintendent, and diocesan school leader, consistently advocating for students and public education. Known for his vision and service, Dr. Morrison earned four degrees—including a Ph.D. from Iowa State—by age 35. While superintendent at Central Lee, he led efforts to pass the Instructional Support Levy, chaired AEA 16’s superintendent group, and represented southeast Iowa on state-level advisory committees.
“Our Academic Hall of Fame inductees have left a meaningful mark on Central Lee and their communities,” said Dr. Andy Crozier, Central Lee Superintendent. “It’s an honor to celebrate two accomplished graduates and an educator whose dedication continues to make a difference.”
The Hall of Fame Ceremony will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. and will honor the 2024 and 2025 inductees. The event is open to the public.