Executive Viewpoint

Introduction

Dr. Megan Duncan, AAEA Executive Director

It is with deep gratitude and excitement that I begin my role as the next Executive Director of the Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators.

I want to sincerely thank Dr. Mike Hernandez for his outstanding leadership and the steady, thoughtful guidance he provided throughout his tenure as Executive Director of AAEA, and for the support he extended during this transition. I am also grateful to the dedicated AAEA team, whose commitment and hard work make everything we do possible. I look forward to continuing our work together to support educational leaders across the state.

Dr. Hernandez, along with Dr. Noggle, Dr. Kimbrell, Dr. Abernathy, and many others, have helped shape AAEA into a strong, respected association that champions school leaders across Arkansas. Their work has left a lasting and meaningful impact on students, educators, and leaders throughout the state.

As we turn this page together, I am proud to serve alongside the exceptional administrators who make up the AAEA community. My journey in education has been fueled by a deep respect for educators, a drive to develop strong leadership, and a central belief in the power of education to change lives.

I come from a family of lifelong educators. My dad, David, was a band director, and my mom, Jane, taught English. Growing up immersed in the school world, I developed a deep appreciation for the dedication and impact educators have on their communities. I’m a proud mom to David, Meredith, and Cole, and feel truly fortunate to be married to my high school sweetheart, Wayne.

I have served as a classroom teacher, principal, superintendent, deputy superintendent, assistant commissioner, and adjunct professor at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. Go Hogs! In every role, I’ve seen the difference that strong, connected leadership can provide for our students and communities.

Over the coming months, I look forward to reconnecting with familiar faces and getting to know our new members. I’m eager to listen, learn from your experiences, and explore how AAEA can support you in practical and meaningful ways. This is a time of growth and possibility for our organization, and I am committed to bringing fresh ideas and energy as we move forward.

AAEA’s greatest strength is each of you. The dedication of our board, staff, constituent groups, and members across the state is what makes this association so impactful. Together, we will continue to strengthen our collective voice, elevate leadership at every level, and improve outcomes for all students. In the words of my mentor, “All means All.”

Thank you for your warm welcome and the extraordinary work you do every day. I’m honored to serve Arkansas educators and excited about what we will accomplish together.

With appreciation,

Dr. Megan Slocum Duncan

Executive Director

Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators