Kimbrell named new head of Arkansas Department of Education

Tom Kimbrell was formally approved Monday (Sept. 14) as the new commissioner of the Arkansas Department of Education.

He was recommended Friday by Gov. Mike Beebe, and the education board approved the recommendation in a Monday morning meeting. Kimbrell will succeed Ken James, who resigned from the post in June after five years as commissioner. James had previously served as superintendent of the Van Buren Public School District.

“Tom shares my philosophy that education is Arkansas’s top priority and he knows that we can continue increasing student achievement through strong standards and rigorous curriculum," Beebe said in a statement.  "He has also proven his ability to work with the diverse range of individuals and groups it takes to build an excellent education system."

Kimbrell, 47, most recently worked as the executive director of the Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators. He 25 years of experience in the Arkansas education system, including superintendent of the Paragould ad North Little Rock school districts.

A graduate of Corning High School, Kimbrell earned a bachelor’s degree at the University of Arkansas, and a master’s degree and doctorate from Arkansas State University.