Administrator Spotlight

Dr. Luke Lovins

Superintendent, Russellville School District

Dr. Luke Lovins, Superintendent for Russellville School District, began his career in 2005 at Marked Tree High School. "Like most faculty in a small district, I taught multiple preps and coached multiple sports including football, girls basketball, and baseball," he says. "I loved my time there and learned a lot from some really amazing people." In 2009 he went to the Paragould School District as an assistant with the head football coach, but later moved from the classroom to an administrative role. "I served as assistant principal at Paragould High School for one year and was then the high school principal for two years," he states. "Mrs. Debbie Smith was the superintendent during that time and worked really hard to mentor the young administrators in the district. There are four of us who came through the administrative ranks during her tenure who are now superintendents and one who is an assistant superintendent." Dr. Lovins left Paragould in 2018 for his first superintendent position at Rose Bud, then went to the Bay School District for the 20-21 school year. In April of this year, he was offered the position of superintendent in Russellville.

Dr. Lovins says the best part about his job is "being able to see the difference that you’ve made and feeling the difference that people have made in your life. Watching students grasp a concept for the first time, or successfully complete a difficult task, project, or activity is an amazing feeling. I don’t know how anything in any other field could top it. There have been lots of difficulties and challenges along the way but when you see someone succeed, it is all worth it." He says the most difficult part of the job is with how it sometimes interferes with his own life. "I’ve missed lots of my kids' events (lunches, school parties, ball games, etc.) so that I could make sure all of the kids in my district were taken care of," he explains. "It is hard sometimes to explain to your kids, especially when they are young, why you won’t be able to make it to certain events. As administrators and teachers, we often sacrifice time with our own to celebrate, support, or help guide other people’s children. The reward though, is immense."

Dr. Lovins says the biggest change he's seen over his career has been with the way schools prepare students for life after high school. "When I first started teaching, it seemed to a young teacher and coach that we put a lot of emphasis on preparing young people for college, but now I think we do a much better job of preparing them for other pathways as well," he says. "Career and Technical Education has moved to the forefront in our state and I think that’s a good thing. There are so many great careers out there that do not require a four-year degree." For anyone considering education as a career he says: go for it! "I still hear from lots of kids, parents, and fellow educators quite often and I try to see many of them in person as often as I can. Those relationships are lifelong and so meaningful. Any time I go through something difficult personally or professionally that is somewhat public, I get so many calls and texts. God has been good to me in the area of relationships."

? Q&A ! with Dr. Luke Lovins

What is the best advice you have ever received?

You will never make a decision that everybody likes, so don’t try. Do what you think is right.

What might other administrators be surprised to know about you?

I love George Strait. I mean I LOVE George Strait.

What is the most daring thing you’ve done?

Can’t put most of them here cause my kids will read them one day and try them. I was pretty daring in my teen years. I dated my wife for 6 years before I proposed. That was probably pretty daring. Should have married her on the first date!

What do you enjoy doing during your time off?

Spend time with my family. We fish and golf. My wife is a homebody but that is hard for me. I try to be outdoors as much as possible and both of my kids enjoy being outside so we do a lot of things outside.

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

I want to see all four major golf tournaments in person. I’ve been to the US Open twice but have not attended any of the other three.

What are the goals you are still working toward?

Trying to have as positive of an impact on people as they have had on me. My goal each day is to change someone’s countenance. If I can make one person's day better, that is a good day. A little bit more of a long term goal is to provide opportunities for success for people who may not feel they have a chance. Sometimes, things seem so far out of reach when you're a young person. Making sure they understand the opportunities that are out there and that they are reachable is something I continually strive to do.

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

Our association is a connecting force. It has allowed me to grow my network of fellow administrators so that when I have a problem you never feel that you’re on an island. As a small school superintendent, it allowed me to have access to others who may share similar problems and identify a solution. Now as superintendent of a large district, I still have that same access to others in similar situations who can help when needed. We also have a great team here in Russellville and I enjoy knowing that our group of administrators here have the opportunity to benefit others with their expertise when folks from other districts reach out to them. People like Justin Robertson and Jenny Barber, who are experts in their craft, can be such a huge asset to others if they will reach out. Being able to get support and examples of successful solutions from others and also knowing that our team is able to provide that for other districts makes you feel good about the work and the connections provided through AAEA.