Congratulations to Traci Chudy and Tonya Whitworth, recipients of this year’s AAGEA scholarships!
Today, gifted educators from across Arkansas came together for the AAGEA Conference, Elevate Excellence: Leading in the Modern GT Landscape. Krystal Nail from the DESE Office of Accelerated Learning and Gifted Education provided valuable updates, and acclaimed speaker Todd Nesloney inspired attendees with his powerful message. It was a day full of learning, collaboration, and inspiration for our GT leaders.
A huge thank you to Mr. Justin Neel for showing us around Caddo Hills High School and highlighting the incredible CTE programs they offer! These programs are empowering students with valuable skills and providing the foundation they need for success in college, careers, and beyond!
There's still one day left to register in advance for next week’s Arkansas Association of Gifted Education Administrators (AAGEA) Conference! Onsite registration will also be available. View details and register here: https://members.theaaea.org/event/25AAGEA
Dr. Nathan Morris, Superintendent of Cross County School District, has been named the 2026 AASA Superintendent of the Year! Through his vision and leadership, Dr. Morris continues to set a high standard for excellence and achievement in Arkansas. Congratulations, Dr. Morris!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 21, 2025
AAEA Announces New Executive Director
Little Rock, AR – The Arkansas Educational Administrator Association (AAEA), a leading nonprofit dedicated to supporting educational administrators, is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Megan Duncan as its new Executive Director, effective July 1, 2025.
Dr. Duncan brings over 20 years of experience in educational leadership and organizational management, most recently serving as Assistant Superintendent of Conway Public Schools. With a strong track record of advocating for education leaders and championing students, she is poised to lead the organization into an exciting new chapter of growth and innovation.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Duncan to the AAEA,” said Stacy DeFoor, President of the AAEA Board. “She has a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing today’s educational leaders, and we are confident her vision and leadership will strengthen our impact across the state.”
Dr. Duncan succeeds Dr. Mike Hernandez, who has served as Executive Director since 2020 and will become the Superintendent of Hot Springs School District at the end of June.
“It has been an honor to lead this organization for the past five years,” said Dr. Hernandez. “I have had the privilege of working with incredible people who are committed to supporting educational excellence. I can’t imagine a better successor than Dr. Duncan—she brings passion, insight, and a collaborative spirit that will serve our members well.”
AAEA has long been a trusted resource and advocate for educational administrators, offering professional development, policy guidance, and peer support to leaders across the education spectrum. Under Dr. Duncan’s leadership, the organization plans to expand its outreach and programming to further empower administrators to lead with confidence and clarity.
For more information, visit www.theaaea.org
Media Contact:
Alyse Mattox
Communications and Technology Specialist
a.mattox@theaaea.org
501-372-1691
Congratulations to David McClure of Woodlawn Junior High in Fayetteville! Mr. McClure is the AAMLA Middle Level Principal of the Year.
Congratulations to Dr. Jonathon Guthrie of Bentonville West High School. Dr.Guthrie is the AASSP Principal of the year!
Congratulations to Tressie Fowler, Principal at Danville High School! She is the 2025 Above and Beyond Award winner sponsored by Lifetouch and AAESP. Go Little Johns!
Congratulations to Crystal Carranco at Stagecoach Elementary in the Cabot School District for being named the 2025 AAESP Assistant Principal of the Year! #The_AAEA
We have a packed house of School Business Officials in Conway receiving financial training and updates. #AASBO
Kicking off the 2024 AAEA Fall Conference with Dr. Nikki Edge and Dr. Allison Smith from UAMS!
Wonderful morning at the ribbon cutting of the Lee County School District Teacher Housing Project. Congratulations to Superintendent Stone and the Lee County community!
Great kickoff to the 2024 AAGEA Conference! Thank you Secretary Oliva for sharing your vision for Arkansas education.
Congratulations to Dr. Debbie Jones of the Bentonville School District! AASA Superintendent of the Year.
Kicking off the 2024 AASEA Conference with updates from DESE's Dr. Jeff Adams and Ms. Robin Stripling.
This Memorial Day, we remember and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Thank you!
Congratulations to Mr. Travis Barrentine of Greenbrier High School for being recognized as AASSP Secondary Principal of the Year!
Congratulations to Bernice Young Elementary Principal, Christy Norwood, for receiving the AAESP Above and Beyond Award.
Day 1 of the AAEA Women in Leadership Conference is going great! We had the pleasure of hearing from ATU Athletic Director Abby Davis along with many other tremendous speakers.
