MTSU College of Education alumna Kay Martin was recently named deputy director for Rutherford County Schools.

“Dr. Martin has an exceptional track record as a school and district leader,” said Jimmy Sullivan, RCS director of schools and also an MTSU education alumnus. “I look forward to working alongside her as we continue to put our students, staff, schools, parents and community as our top priorities.”

The newly created position will support the director in a variety of daily managerial functions, stated an RCS news release, adding that with more than 50,000 students and 50 schools, the school district is the fourth largest in Tennessee.

Martin thanked Sullivan and the Rutherford County School Board for the opportunity. 

“I am humbled and honored by their confidence in me,” said Martin, a Murfreesboro, Tennessee, native. “I look forward to embarking on this new role and working with them to continue the legacy of ensuring success and opportunities for Rutherford County students, teachers, and administrators.”

Before her years working in the district as everything from an assistant principal in elementary, middle and high school to the district-level secondary education coordinator, Martin earned her MTSU undergraduate degree in interdisciplinary studies and her graduate degree in educational administration and supervision.  

“Middle Tennessee State University provided me with a strong foundation with my career in education and has grown with me as my goals and aspirations have evolved throughout my career,” Martin said. “As a lifelong resident of Rutherford County, MTSU is my hometown school. I am extremely grateful to have a university here in Rutherford County that not only has given so much to me in my personal career, but one that provides our current Rutherford County students with meaningful, life-changing opportunities as well.”

Martin also spoke about the relationship between MTSU and RCS, the district being one of the College of Education’s main partners for its educator field placement program. 

“The partnership between Rutherford County Schools and MTSU is multifaceted,” Martin said. “From providing post-secondary course work for our students to working together to prepare high-quality teachers in our classrooms, the collaboration is a team effort that is a win-win for all.”

To learn more about opportunities at the College of Education, visit https://www.mtsu.edu/education/. 

— Stephanie Wagner (Stephanie.Wagner@mtsu.edu)