The Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators (AAEA) has selected Dr. Nathan Morris, Superintendent of Cross County School District, as the 2026 Arkansas Superintendent of the Year.
This prestigious honor is bestowed upon superintendents who successfully lead the learning in their districts; who demonstrate strength in both personal and organizational communication; who show constant improvement of administrative knowledge and skills; and who actively participate in local community activities while maintaining an understanding of regional, national, and international issues.
The award was formally presented to Dr. Morris during the Cross County School Board meeting on Monday, September 15.
Since becoming superintendent in 2018, Dr. Morris has guided Cross County through a remarkable transformation. Leading a rural district with a 72% free and reduced lunch rate, he has prioritized equity, innovation, and opportunity for all students. His efforts have yielded measurable results, including a 98% graduation rate and steadily increasing academic proficiency.
At the elementary level, Cross County Elementary Technology Academy was recognized internationally as one of the Top 10 World’s Best Schools for Overcoming Adversity. At the high school, Dr. Morris has expanded advanced coursework, strengthened college and career readiness pathways, and built a culture that attracts families from across the region—today, one in five Cross County students attend through school choice.
At the secondary level, Cross County High School has gained national attention for its innovative college and career access program, which ensures every student graduates with a clear plan for their future. The school has also been recognized by U.S. News & World Report on both the Best High Schools and Best Charter High Schools lists, further validating the district’s commitment to preparing students for success beyond graduation.
Dr. Morris has also invested in the “whole child” approach, ensuring students are not only prepared academically but also supported emotionally and socially. This includes expanding access to mental health services, increasing school safety measures, and strengthening partnerships with families and community organizations.
Cross County’s success story has also been driven by a focus on teacher development. Through partnerships with organizations like NIET, Dr. Morris has implemented systems for teacher leadership, professional collaboration, and continuous growth. These efforts have lowered office referrals, boosted teacher effectiveness, and contributed to more than 20% growth in enrollment since 2018.
This recognition also connects to a proud chapter in Cross County’s history. In 2010, Dr. Matt McClure, then Superintendent of Cross County School District, received the same honor. Fifteen years later, Dr. Morris’s selection once again highlights the district’s legacy of strong, visionary leadership