Clint Jones, a former school administrator in Arkansas and Texas, was named director of the Arkansas Leadership Academy, effective July 16.

Jones spent the past four years as superintendent of the Huntsville School District. Before that, he was an assistant superintendent in the Farmington School District and superintendent and high school principal at County Line in Franklin County. He previously worked as an assistant principal at Alief Taylor High School in Houston, Texas, and taught social studies in the Lamar Consolidated Independent School District in Rosenberg, Texas.

The Arkansas General Assembly created the leadership academy in 1991. Based in the College of Education and Health Professions at the University of Arkansas, the leadership academy designs creative and innovative approaches for teachers, principals, superintendents, facilitators and school teams in public schools.

"Clint has certainly been seen as an educational leader in Arkansas, and we feel very fortunate to have him join our staff," said Michael Miller, dean of the College of Education and Health Professions. "Schools around the state and nation are changing, and Clint's perspectives on how school leaders work with that change will be critical as ALA moves into its next decade of service."

Jones has a doctorate in school leadership from Arkansas Tech University, an educational specialist degree in educational leadership from Harding University, a master's degree in administration and supervision from the University of Houston-Victoria and a bachelor's degree in social science from Harding University. He has taught in the educational leadership programs at Harding and Tech, teaching courses on school facilities, finance and leadership.

Jones said he's been aware of the work of the leadership academy since he became a school administrator in Arkansas.

"Two of my principals at Huntsville took part in the Master Principal Program, and several of the teachers participated in the Teacher Leadership Institute," Jones said. "I have seen firsthand how the academy makes a difference, not only in the classroom but on campuses and districtwide."

Jones said he is passionate about leadership.

"The Arkansas Leadership Academy is doing great work," he said. "We are looking at expanding our programs, if possible, bringing more school districts and teachers into the academy."

Jones plans to spend his first year as director traveling the state, talking to school leaders as well as officials in the Arkansas Department of Education, the educational cooperatives and universities to see what the needs are.

"It's about building relationships with those around the state to understand their needs and how we at the leadership academy can provide the services to help them," he said.

The Arkansas Leadership Academy is made up of 51 partners including 15 universities; nine professional associations; 15 educational cooperatives; the Arkansas departments of education, higher education and career education; the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce; the Arkansas Educational Television Network; Tyson Foods Inc.; Walmart Stores Inc.; superintendent representatives; legislative liaisons; the office of the governor; and the Arkansas Board of Education.