Fort Smith Superintendent Elected to National Organization

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Benny Gooden

Benny L. Gooden, superintendent of Fort Smith Public Schools and visiting assistant professor of educational leadership at the University of Arkansas, was chosen as the 2011-12 president-elect of the American Association of School Administrators, the association announced.

Gooden, a member of the organization since 1980, will serve as its president for the 2012-13 term. He is a member of the organization's Executive Committee and previously served on its Governing Board. He was president of the Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators in 2007-08.

"Benny Gooden has served as a valuable member of the educational leadership faculty at the University of Arkansas for many years teaching graduate courses, serving on dissertation committees, assisting in the development of the program, connecting faculty and students at the University of Arkansas with practitioners throughout the state, and mentoring current students and alumni throughout their careers," said John Pijanowski, associate professor of educational leadership.

Gooden has served as superintendent in Fort Smith since 1986 and was formerly superintendent of two Missouri school districts. He earned a bachelor's degree from Harding University, a master's degree from the University of Arkansas and a doctoral degree from the University of Missouri.