Middle Tennessee State University alumnus Trey Duke has been named principal of Murfreesboro City Schools’ newest elementary school, scheduled to open in August 2019, according to an MCS news release.

Duke will assume his new role in January and will oversee the opening and hiring for the school.

“Mr. Duke’s experience and leadership are ideal for the role of principal of our newest school,” said Dr. Linda Gilbert, director of Murfreesboro City Schools, in the release. “He is a student-centered instructional leader with an amazing vision for empowering students to succeed academically and personally.”

Trey Duke

Dr. Linda Gilbert

Duke has more than 15 years in education and currently serves as the coordinator of federal programs and Response to Instruction and Intervention, or RTI, for Rutherford County Schools.  In that role, Duke has provided administrative direction and support for all federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act programs and has overseen the instructional coaching program.

He has been “an innovative leader in instructional technology and is well-known for his commitment to the professional development of teachers and administrators,” the release states. In addition, Duke has served as a classroom teacher, assistant principal and principal.

“As difficult as it is to leave Rutherford County Schools, I am excited to be a part of the Murfreesboro City Schools’ team. I look forward to being surrounded by students again on a daily basis,” Duke said.

“This is a unique opportunity to be on the forefront of establishing an amazing school tradition and I want to thank Dr. Gilbert and MCS for this great opportunity. I am anxious to meet students and families and begin selecting the team for our school in the upcoming months.”

Duke received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Middle Tennessee State University. He is currently completing his doctorate in assessment, leadership and school improvement, also from MTSU.

Duke has received numerous awards for his contributions to education including being named the 2018 Rutherford County Supervisor of the Year, the 2016 TNTESOL Administrator of the Year and the 2008 Milken National Educator-Tennessee recipient.

The newest elementary school, referred to as Southwest Elementary until a name is selected, is located off Veterans Parkway and St. Andrews Drive. The two-story school is designed for up to 1,000 students and will follow the footprint of Overall Creek Elementary.

Murfreesboro City Schools is a district of 12 schools, soon to be 13, committed to the academic and personal success of each child. Additional information is available at www.cityschools.net.