Nathan Morris
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Biography:
Dr. Nathan Morris has served as Superintendent of Cross County School District in Cherry Valley, Arkansas, since 2017, where he has led a transformative effort to raise student achievement, strengthen educator effectiveness, and expand opportunities for all learners. Under his leadership, the district has seen enrollment increase every year—an uncommon trend for rural schools in Arkansas.
Both Cross County High School (CCHS) and Cross County Elementary Technology Academy (CCETA) have earned national and state recognition for innovation, character education, and academic performance. CCHS was named the 2022 recipient of the prestigious NIET Founder’s Award, while CCETA was twice a finalist—highlighting the district’s commitment to the TAP System for teacher development and support.
U.S. News and World Report has recognized CCHS as one of America’s Best High Schools and one of the top charter high schools in Arkansas. In 2021, both schools were named Apple Distinguished Schools, two of only five in the state to receive this designation. The high school’s College x Career x Choice program has contributed to a 98% graduation rate and a college-going rate that consistently exceeds the national average.
CCETA has also been honored for three consecutive years with a Promising Practice Award by Character.org and was recently named a global finalist for the “World’s Best School Prize for Overcoming Adversity” by T4 Education.
Dr. Morris currently serves as President of the Arkansas Rural Education Association and sits on the Board of Directors for the Arkansas Activities Association and the Arkansas Association of School Administrators. He is an active member of the Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators and AASA, The School Superintendents Association.
An Arkansas native, Dr. Morris earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Arkansas and completed his Doctorate in Educational Leadership at Arkansas Tech University. Now in his 14th year in school administration and 27th year in education, he remains deeply committed to public education in rural communities. He is a proud husband and the father of six-year-old twins.
