Administrator Spotlight

Dr. Nathan Morris

Superintendent, Cross County School District

Dr. Nathan Morris, Superintendent for Cross County School District started his career in education at Dardanelle Public Schools in 1999, serving as a teacher/coach for four years. He then served as a teacher/coach in the Camden Fairview School District for two years. In 2005, he was hired in the Lonoke District as the head girls basketball coach, became the athletic director in 2012-2013, and then added the position of Director of Support Services in 2014. "For two years I was doing all three of those jobs," he says. "It greatly prepared me for the move into superintendency." In 2016, he was named superintendent of the Two Rivers School District and stayed there for one year before taking his current position as superintendent of the Cross County School District. "I have very fond memories of each stop," he states. "The people that I have met, worked with, and all of the experiences have helped shape me into the leader that I am today."

Dr. Morris says what he enjoys most about his job is the people: the students, staff, parents, and the community. He states, "I love being a part of a team that is focused on student success. It really is a very rewarding experience for members of a team to join and commit to a common goal and then work together for achievement. I know it is clichè, but I don’t feel like this is a job. I love navigating the many challenges that we face everyday." He says two events in particular are his favorite part of the job: graduation and the first day of school. "I always pause to look at all of the graduates of a senior class. This is oftentimes the single biggest accomplishment, to date, in a teenager's life. They still have all of their hopes and dreams intact for a story that has yet to be written. I also have a fondness for the first day of school. On the first day, we see students that are happy to be back amongst classmates for another year. Many of these students are in a better place when they are at school."

Dr. Morris says the many challenges faced by superintendents requires one to be a strong problem solver. "We are tasked with decisions everyday that have long term effects on our students, staff, and communities that we serve," he says. "Most recently, it has been a challenge to navigate the changes in laws that govern what we do in education. It doesn’t matter if we agree with all of the changes. We are still tasked with facilitating the implementation at the local level. It is also challenging that our current national political climate has reached the state and local level. It seems that we are having to fight off the 'us vs. them' everyday." Despite the challenges, he says he would encourage anyone to take the path of education for a career. "It is the most rewarding career that I can think of if you are looking to make a difference," he states. "I would encourage them to make sure that they have a passion for kids, a want to see them succeed, and drive to serve for the betterment of the school community before going down that path."

? Q&A ! with Dr. Nathan Morris

What is the most daring thing you’ve done?

I bungee jumped a couple of times. However, the older that I get the more that I realize that is something that I don’t have the desire to do again.

What do you feel is your greatest professional accomplishment?

Obtaining my doctorate in educational leadership while changing jobs, homes, and the birth of my twins. It was a stressful time, probably more so for my wife. Personally my greatest accomplishment is my family and being a dad.

What do you enjoy doing during your time off?

I enjoy watching most sports and following my Arkansas Razorbacks. I also enjoy time with my wife and twins. They are getting to the age that they will be involved in activities. I am looking forward to those days ahead.

What is one of the things on your “Bucket List?”

I would love to walk Augusta National during Masters week. However, not long ago, my five year old son said that he wanted to go on an African safari. I now believe that my bucket list will turn into fulfilling my twins bucket list and that will be fine by me.

If you weren’t in your current position, what would you be doing?

Professionally, if not an administrator, I would probably still be coaching basketball. If it were a job outside of education, I could see myself as a professional coffee drinker in the mornings at the local doughnut or coffee shop. I would use my many years of experience to help the other retirees solve the world's problems.

What do you see as the biggest benefit of AAEA membership?

AAEA and the various constituency groups do a tremendous job of providing opportunities for learning and connecting administrators from across the state. Through AAEA, administrators are given a platform to connect and build relationships for the betterment of all.