COE alumnus named superintendent of Lee’s Summit R-7 School District in Missouri

February 3, 2017

Dennis L. Carpenter, Ed.D.

Georgia Southern University’s College of Education alumnus Dennis L. Carpenter, Ed.D. has been named superintendent of a Missouri school district. Carpenter will assume his new role as Lee’s Summit R-7 School District’s superintendent on July 1.

“We are fortunate to have a leader of Dr. Carpenter’s caliber, experience and integrity joining our school district,” said Bob White, Lee’s Summit R-7 Board of Education president. “He has a solid record in improving student achievement as well as extensive experience in strategic planning and facilities and budget management.”

Carpenter has served as superintendent of the Hickman Mills School District since 2013 and previously served as deputy superintendent of operations and the associate superintendent for human resources for Newton County Schools in Covington, Georgia. In addition, he has worked as an assistant superintendent for support services in Baxley, Georgia.; and as an elementary school principal and middle school assistant principal, both in Georgia school districts. He has nearly 21 years of experience in public education.

“We believe we have found the perfect fit for Lee’s Summit R-7,” White said. “Our Board of Education was especially impressed with Dr. Carpenter’s extensive experience in instructional leadership, student success, fiscal management, operations and school renovation/construction.”

“I am both humbled and honored to be selected by the Lee’s Summit Board of Education to serve as superintendent of a district with such a rich history of academic and extracurricular excellence,” Carpenter said. “I trust that my commitment to student-centered, inclusive leadership will assist in furthering the district’s commitment to an equitable educational experience for all students.”

“We have been grateful for the involvement and support of our community during this search process,” White added, “and believe this feedback and support helped us select an outstanding leader for our schools.”

Carpenter is a Triple Eagle alumnus of Georgia Southern. He earned his bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from the University, his master’s degree in educational leadership from Augusta State University, an education specialist degree and a doctorate degree in educational leadership and educational administration, both from Georgia Southern.

He has received the South Kansas City Alliance Innovative Educational Program Award, received the Friend of the Council for Exceptional Children Award, was named Phi Beta Sigma Educator of the Year in Savannah, Ga., and was named an Emerging Leader by the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

In addition, Carpenter has been a presenter at numerous state and national educational conferences on topics such as STEM education, student achievement, racial equity, professional development and parent/community involvement. Carpenter is married to Dr. LaQuanda Carpenter, and they have two children, Landen Drake and Layla Dee.