AAEA Legacy Leader

Dr. Richard Abernathy

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 third interview features Dr. Richard Abernathy, former AAEA Executive Director and district superintendent.

Dr. Richard Abernathy’s career began as an algebra and geometry teacher and a football and basketball coach in the Alma School District. His first administrative position was as a high school principal in Lavaca before moving to Clarksville as the high school principal. Soon after, the Ozark School District hired Dr. Abernathy as an assistant superintendent and athletic director. His first superintendent role was in the Paris School District, where he served three years. He then moved to the Bryant School District as superintendent for seven years. After his work in these districts, Dr. Abernathy was named AAEA Executive Director.

When asked what role AAEA played in supporting him as an administrator, Dr. Abernathy responded that all administrative roles involve issues, and AAEA helps you to resolve these problems. He added that the AAEA brings people together and allows you to build networks with others who serve in the same role to problem-solve together. Dr. Abernathy found his network of superintendents most helpful when he faced the greatest tragedy in his career, when a student was hit by a car after exiting the school bus. His superintendent friends shared similar experiences and helped him through this time.

The greatest change Dr. Abernathy has seen in his career is the use of technology. The positive aspects being easier scheduling, the opportunity to meet virtually, and the curriculum options technology provides. However, with the positive come the negative impacts, such as the use of social media and the issues this can cause in schools.

When asked how AAEA has impacted his leadership, Dr. Abernathy said AAEA was a central part of his career. His dad, Mr. Bill Abernathy, also a former superintendent, helped to start the AAEA 50 years ago. Dr. Abernathy recalls that each Wednesday, administrators would meet at what is now known as the Wyndham to discuss education policy. He said it was standing room only. The following day, those same superintendents would be at the Capitol talking to education committees about their stance on a bill. As the AAEA Executive Director, he tried to emulate this same pattern, leading the association to serve as the voice for administrators.

Dr. Abernathy emphasized that current leaders need to build their networks. Through his work at the AAEA, he helped to start mentoring programs to provide support for new leaders. Leadership training programs through the AAEA specialize in supporting those in an administrative role so they can voice the problems they are facing. He emphasized that the greatest benefit of the association is bringing people together with a common need in a safe environment.

After his 30+ year career in education, Dr. Abernathy states, “There are no greater people than those who dedicate their lives helping students, helping schools, and building leadership.” His dad, Bill Abernathy, told him shortly before he passed away that he wished he had taken time to do the things he loved before he got to the age where he couldn’t any longer. Reflection on that statement caused Dr. Abernathy to retire more quickly than he had originally planned.

Dr. Abernathy wouldn’t change anything about his education career, but he loves his work with Coryell Roofing as well as traveling with his wife, Paula, and their grandkids. His hobbies include hiking, kayaking, fishing, and getting to see grandkids whenever he wants. Richard and Paula have two children, Tyson Abernathy who is married to Heather, and London Creel who is married to Josh. They have four grandchildren: Saylor, Lakelynn, Fisher, and Ranger.

Click here to watch Dr. Abernathy’s full interview and learn more about this Legacy Leader.