|
|
Latest News
|
Abernathy Named AAEA Executive Director
Dr. Richard Abernathy, superintendent of the Bryant School District, has been selected by the AAEA Board of Directors as the Association’s new Executive Director, effective July 1, 2010. Dr. Abernathy replaces Dr. Tom Kimbrell who left the AAEA in September to become Commissioner of Education for Arkansas. Belinda Akin, President of the AAEA Board of Directors, stated, “The AAEA Board is so pleased that Dr. Abernathy has accepted the Executive Director’s position. His extensive experience as a teacher, building level principal, and district administrator in Arkansas schools will serve him well as the leader of our professional organization. Dr. Abernathy has been a member of AAEA for a number of years, served in a leadership capacity on several of our boards, and understands the challenges facing Arkansas teachers, administrators, and school districts.”
In addition to serving as Superintendent of Schools at Bryant since 2003, Dr. Abernathy has held a number of administrative positions, all in Arkansas public schools, since 1993. He started his career in education as a math teacher and coach in Alma in 1987.
Dr. Abernathy graduated from Mena High School in 1983 and received his BSE, Masters, Specialist’s, and Doctorate all from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville.
Dr. Abernathy, his wife Paula, and their two children, Tyson age 17 and London age 15, reside in Bryant. Paula is a learning specialist with the Bryant Schools and the family attends Indian Springs Baptist Church in Bryant.
Dr. Abernathy is the son of State Representative and House Education Committee Chairman Bill Abernathy and the grandson of Ode Maddox who served in the Arkansas Legislature for over 40 years.
While Dr. Abernathy will not officially come to the AAEA until July, 2010, he will be working closely with the current staff on pressing issues during this transition period.
|
|
|
