AAEA Legacy Leader

ANDREW TOLBERT

Leading up to the 50th anniversary of the AAEA Summer Conference, which will take place on July 28-30, 2025, at the Statehouse Convention Center and Marriott Hotel, we are interviewing some of the greatest Arkansas education leaders over the past several decades. Our second interview features Mr. Andrew Tolbert, former AAEA Board President, district superintendent, and State Superintendent of the Office of Intensive Support.

Mr. Andrew Tolbert grew up in Crossett and never intended to become an administrator. His love for music created a desire to become a band director. For ten years, Mr. Tolbert served as the Warren Jr. High School Band Director. When choosing to further his education, he chose a master’s degree in music because he had no desire to leave the classroom. Mr. Thomas C. Brunson, Assistant Superintendent of the Warren School District, gave the initial push to turn him toward a leadership role and urged him to get a degree in administration. Mr. Tolbert responded that he was talking to the wrong person. He did not want to be an administrator.

Dr. Steve Castleberry was later hired as the superintendent and his son was in the band. Dr. Castleberry’s interactions with Mr. Tolbert allowed him to see first-hand the leadership skills in Mr. Tolbert. Mr. Brunson retired and Dr. Castleberry called Mr. Tolbert to his office and asked if he was interested in becoming an administrator. Again, Mr. Tolbert replied that administration was not his goal. Dr. Castleberry continued pushing him toward an administrator role and Mr. Tolbert responded that he did not have the educational degree to serve in this area. Dr. Castleberry encouraged him to apply for an administrative assistant position, but someone else applied who was more qualified. The encouragement of these two district leaders had an impact on Mr. Tolbert and he went back to college to obtain his administrative certification. After a few months, Dr. Castleberry moved to Newport and hired Mr. Tolbert as an assistant principal.

Mr. Tolbert served as the assistant principal at Newport High School for three years before returning to Warren where he served as high school principal for five years. After those five years in this position, he moved to the Pine Bluff School District where he served as Jr. High Principal and High School Principal before moving to the district office as Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Instruction. Mr. Tolbert then returned to Warren as the superintendent; a role he served in for the next thirteen years.

One day Mr. Tolbert received a call from Dr. Tom Kimbrell, Arkansas Commissioner of Education, asking him to consider coming to work at the state level. Initially, Mr. Tolbert did not accept the call to this opportunity but Dr. Kimbrell continued to encourage his consideration of the position as the State Superintendent for the Office of Intensive Support. Finally, Mr. Tolbert accepted and he served there for four years. He said this about that state position, “The work was very challenging but I really enjoyed going into the districts and trying to make a difference in the lives of those children, especially those that were economically deprived.”

The man who never intended to be an administrator spent 33 of his 43 years in education doing just that. He said, “Dr. Kimbrell, Mr. Brunson, and Dr. Castleberry saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself. Sometimes people see things in you that you don’t see yourself. Thank the Lord for allowing you to have that opportunity when someone opens that door, and walk through it.”

Mr. Andrew Tolbert is an advocate for leaders at all levels to be involved in the AAEA. He advises that “school leaders should be actively involved in everything at AAEA and the constituency groups. Don’t just be a member, but be involved. You are accountable for anything that happens in the district, good or bad. Stay abreast of all the trends and laws, anything that affects education so that you can provide the best education possible to the students entrusted in your care.” He has firsthand knowledge of the importance of being involved because he served as the AASA Board President as well as the AAEA Board President (2011-2012) during his career. Mr. Tolbert said he is blessed to have had a great career with a lot of people in his corner. Those great people include Marilyn Johnson and Mary Jo Wisener along with all the leaders who made him a leader. He is grateful for the support of his local school board and the community of Warren where he has lived for 40 years.

Mr. Tolbert says this about retirement, “I don’t have to worry about the clock and don’t have to dress up every day. I travel quite a bit and enjoy doing things with my grandkids like watching them in sporting events.” He exclaimed, “Grandchildren are the best! You get to spoil them and send them home.” Mr. Tolbert has four grandchildren, Adrien (8th grade), Alysse (4th grade), Collin (10th grade), and Erin who will soon graduate from UAPB and plans to attend UAMS to obtain a medical degree. He has a daughter, Andi, and a son, Varick. Mr. Tolbert lost his wife, Marilyn Jean in 2014 and a grandson, Julian in 2023.

Mr. Tolbert stays actively involved in his community by serving on the Bradley Medical and Health Foundation Board, the Bradley County Historical Museum Board of Directors, and the Water Commission Board. He is also a member of the Rotary Club.

Click here to watch Mr. Tolbert’s complete interview and learn more about this Legacy Leader.