Administrator Spotlight

Dr. Camille Sterrett, Superintendent, Dumas School District

For Dr. Camille Sterrett, school leadership has always been her passion. Descending from a long line of educators, she says, “It has never entered my mind to not be in education! I’ve always had the desire to be an educator.“ Dr. Sterrett graduated from Dumas High School in 1993 and received her B.S. in Elementary Education in 1997 from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, a M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from the University of Arkansas at Monticello in 2005 and Ed.S. in Educational Leadership with a concentration in superintendency from Arkansas State University in 2014. She received her Doctor of Education degree from Arkansas State University in 2021.

Dr. Sterrett has now been an educator for 25 years with experience ranging from a classroom teacher, a curriculum coordinator, Teacher Recruitment and Retention Program Advisor for the Arkansas Department of Education, Director of Federal Programs and Human Resources for Dumas School District, and now, Superintendent of the Dumas School District. She says, “Visiting with students throughout the school year and seeing them smile because they have achieved a high grade, or are simply proud of themselves through what they have learned, makes me love my job more and more each day! I also enjoy the days I can escape to each campus and walk down the halls assisting teachers any way I can.“ Dr. Sterrett says the most challenging part of her job is “boosting the academic achievement of underprivileged and/or struggling students, preparing students for successful lives and careers beyond high school and recruiting/retaining highly qualified teachers and staff.” In 2022, she was named the Howard Wallace Federal Coordinator of the Year - a testament to her hard work seeking ways to make a positive difference in students’ lives.

Dr. Sterrett stays very active in her community and says she finds community service involving children and education to be an enjoyable and a beneficial experience. She states, “Even though I am no longer working with the Arkansas Department of Education Teacher and Recruitment Office, I still enjoy assisting students with finding scholarships to further their education.“ She serves as a Life Skills Coach for young adult college students in the state, and works in the food ministry for Kids Feeding Kids on the local and state level. Dr. Sterrett also currently serves as a board member of the Dumas Chamber of Commerce helping support community activities and events, and as a past President of the Dumas Economic Development Committee, Dr. Sterrett volunteers time to promote economic development opportunities that will attract businesses and citizens to the city of Dumas.

To those considering a similar career, Dr. Sterrett advises, “Understand your role in education. Be very knowledgeable of the best practices for improving student achievement, get to know the teachers, staff and administrators and allow them to get to know you and be supportive of their ideas.“ She says the best advice she has ever received came from her parents: “‘Give my very best and the very best will come back to me.’ In doing so, they said, ‘You will reap the harvest that God promises you!’”

? Q&A ! with Dr. Camille Sterrett

What is the most daring thing you’ve done?

Ride on a Roller Coaster!

What’s something that amazes you?

God’s work amazes me. The majesty of His creation causes me to stand in awe!

What have you done that you are most proud of?

My proudest moment is reflecting on being a mom to a Christian, respectable son who is a high school senior.

What do you enjoy doing during your time off?

I enjoy reading novels, cooking with my mom and sisters, and spending time with family.

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

I don’t have a bucket list. I choose to end each day with no regrets and enjoy what comes my way tomorrow.

What are the goals you are still working toward?

“Keeping Students First.” This is at the heart of my district leadership. Even after I retire, I can see myself continuing to assist, motivate and train others on providing equal access for all.

When people look back at your life, how do you want to be remembered?

That I remained passionate about:

•Student achievement,

•Equity and access,

•Professional growth and success of faculty and staff,

•Empowering families and community members to become full partners in the educational experience offered in the Dumas School District

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

AAEA provides opportunities for networking with other administrators. This organization goes above and beyond to keep educators informed of state regulations and requirements.