MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University alumnus Trey Duke, director of Murfreesboro City Schools, was recently named the Mid-Cumberland Superintendent of the Year by the Tennessee Organization of School Superintendents.

The prestigious recognition is awarded annually to one superintendent from each of Tennessee’s eight regions. An MTSU College of Education graduate, Duke was selected by his fellow superintendents in the region for outstanding leadership, commitment to student success, and dedication to public education.

“Dr. Duke reflects all that is noble and honorable about public education,” said Barry Olhausen, assistant executive director of TOSS. “What is best for students — collectively and individually — comes first. He models compassion, hard work, dedication, and a love of learning for students and staff alike. Dr. Duke is truly a role model for the region, for the state of Tennessee, and quite honestly, for the nation.”

Nominees for Superintendent of the Year are evaluated on four key criteria: Leadership for Learning, Communication, Professionalism, and Community Involvement. As a regional honoree, Duke is now one of eight finalists eligible for the statewide title of Tennessee Superintendent of the Year, according to a Murfreesboro City Schools news release.

Duke has served as director of Murfreesboro City Schools since 2021, “leading with vision and an unwavering commitment to excellence,” the MCS release states.

Having earned his bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate from the College of Education, Duke is no stranger to community involvement on the Blue Raider campus, from guest lectures to encouraging students from MCS to participate in campus events.

“It is an honor to be recognized by my peers as the Mid-Cumberland Superintendent of the Year,” said Duke. “I truly believe this recognition reflects the hard work of our entire school district. The teachers, staff, and students of Murfreesboro City Schools inspire me each day, and I am proud to serve as the director.”

Duke’s career is marked by numerous accolades, including:

• 2008 Milken National Educator for Tennessee
• Rutherford County Schools Supervisor of the Year
• TNTESOL Administrator of the Year
• 2023 Superintendent to Watch, National School Public Relations Association

As director of Murfreesboro City Schools, Duke leads a district comprised of approximately 9,400 students in Pre-K through sixth grade across 13 schools.

For more information, please contact Murfreesboro City Schools at 615-893-2313 or visit www.cityschools.net.

— Karli Sutton (Karli.Sutton@mtsu.edu)