Purdy R-II Board Selects New Superintendent
Dr. Travis Graham, shown below, was selected as the new Purdy R-II superintendent for the upcoming 2021-2022 school year.
March 24, 2021
Posted by Sheila Harris
Purdy School Board of Education President Todd Schallert introduced Dr. Travis Graham as the district’s 2021-2022 Superintendent at a special staff meeting on Monday, March 22. Dr. Graham will assume the superintendency on July 1, accepting the mantle of leadership from current superintendent, Mrs. Mindi Gates. Mr. Schallert stated of the district’s newest administrator, “We are so happy to welcome Dr. Graham and his family, not only to the school, but to the community. Dr. Graham brings a wealth of diverse educational experience to the position. That, coupled with his servant’s heart and passion for educating all students, makes him a perfect fit. On behalf of the Purdy R-II School District Board of Education, welcome to the Nest, Dr. Graham!"
Dr. Travis Graham currently serves the Harrison, Arkansas school district as its Director of Operations, a position he has held for two years. Dr. Stewart Pratt, Harrison Public Schools Superintendent, observed, “Dr. Travis Graham is a lifelong educator who has cultivated a variety of experiences in public education. . . He is hardworking, a man of character, and is a contributor to our district’s success. . . I am personally proud of Dr. Graham and his continuing succession of professional accomplishments."
Susan Gilley, Executive Director of Federal Programs and Instructional Technology at Harrison Schools described Dr. Graham as, “. . . hard-working, diligent, responsible, thoughtful, and insightful. He has a magical way of being everywhere he is needed at just the right moment."
Dr. Graham is a 1999 graduate of North Thurston High School in Olympia, Washington. He earned his Bachelor of Science in K-12 Education from College of the Ozarks in 2004. He completed his Masters in Educational Administration in 2011 at Missouri State University. He received his Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 2015.
Prior to his tenure at Harrison Dr. Graham served the Hollister school district, first as Assistant Elementary and Middle School Principal, before moving to the Assistant High School principalship. Dr. Graham completed his tenure at Hollister as High School Principal, a position he held for five years. Dr. Graham also has a background in secondary vocal music instruction, serving as Vocal Music Director at both Greenwood Laboratory School and Logan-Rogersville High School.
Dr. Graham brings 17 total years of educational experience and a passion for pursuing excellence in all that he does. Of his future role as Purdy R-II School District Superintendent, Dr. Graham noted, “I believe the Purdy R-II School District can be a nationally recognized district that excels in academic achievement and quality extracurriculars, ensuring that all students encounter rigorous and relevant instruction and activities that prepare them for college, career and life.”
Dr. Graham and his wife, Jamie, are the proud parents of two children - Emma, a third grader, and Rowan, a kindergartner. Mrs. Graham currently serves the Hollister School District as a first grade teacher. Speaking on behalf of his family, Dr. Graham shared, “We are excited about relocating to Purdy and becoming involved in a community that values relationships and learning.”
Posted by Sheila Harris
Purdy School Board of Education President Todd Schallert introduced Dr. Travis Graham as the district’s 2021-2022 Superintendent at a special staff meeting on Monday, March 22. Dr. Graham will assume the superintendency on July 1, accepting the mantle of leadership from current superintendent, Mrs. Mindi Gates. Mr. Schallert stated of the district’s newest administrator, “We are so happy to welcome Dr. Graham and his family, not only to the school, but to the community. Dr. Graham brings a wealth of diverse educational experience to the position. That, coupled with his servant’s heart and passion for educating all students, makes him a perfect fit. On behalf of the Purdy R-II School District Board of Education, welcome to the Nest, Dr. Graham!"
Dr. Travis Graham currently serves the Harrison, Arkansas school district as its Director of Operations, a position he has held for two years. Dr. Stewart Pratt, Harrison Public Schools Superintendent, observed, “Dr. Travis Graham is a lifelong educator who has cultivated a variety of experiences in public education. . . He is hardworking, a man of character, and is a contributor to our district’s success. . . I am personally proud of Dr. Graham and his continuing succession of professional accomplishments."
Susan Gilley, Executive Director of Federal Programs and Instructional Technology at Harrison Schools described Dr. Graham as, “. . . hard-working, diligent, responsible, thoughtful, and insightful. He has a magical way of being everywhere he is needed at just the right moment."
Dr. Graham is a 1999 graduate of North Thurston High School in Olympia, Washington. He earned his Bachelor of Science in K-12 Education from College of the Ozarks in 2004. He completed his Masters in Educational Administration in 2011 at Missouri State University. He received his Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 2015.
Prior to his tenure at Harrison Dr. Graham served the Hollister school district, first as Assistant Elementary and Middle School Principal, before moving to the Assistant High School principalship. Dr. Graham completed his tenure at Hollister as High School Principal, a position he held for five years. Dr. Graham also has a background in secondary vocal music instruction, serving as Vocal Music Director at both Greenwood Laboratory School and Logan-Rogersville High School.
Dr. Graham brings 17 total years of educational experience and a passion for pursuing excellence in all that he does. Of his future role as Purdy R-II School District Superintendent, Dr. Graham noted, “I believe the Purdy R-II School District can be a nationally recognized district that excels in academic achievement and quality extracurriculars, ensuring that all students encounter rigorous and relevant instruction and activities that prepare them for college, career and life.”
Dr. Graham and his wife, Jamie, are the proud parents of two children - Emma, a third grader, and Rowan, a kindergartner. Mrs. Graham currently serves the Hollister School District as a first grade teacher. Speaking on behalf of his family, Dr. Graham shared, “We are excited about relocating to Purdy and becoming involved in a community that values relationships and learning.”
