University of Arkansas System President Dr. Donald R. Bobbitt will recommend Corey Alderdice, assistant director for admissions and public relations at the Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Bowling Green, Ky., to be the new director of the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences and the Arts.
Alderdice was identified through a national search conducted by Bobbitt and an advisory committee of faculty, staff, parents and other supporters of ASMSA. Bobbitt will recommend the hiring of Alderdice to the UA Board of Trustees at its meeting on May 24 at ASMSA.
"Corey Alderdice's experience and leadership skills stood out among a strong group of applicants," Bobbitt said. "His background in secondary mathematics and science education and administration of a residential high school is the right fit for ASMSA. I believe he can continue to build on the quality educational experience already provided by the school."
Prior to becoming an assistant director at the Gatton Academy in 2007, Alderdice was the school's planning coordinator and assisted with recruitment and curriculum development as the academy was being established. He previously worked as director of residence life and as a residential counselor at the Center for Gifted Studies at Western Kentucky University.
"I am thrilled by the confidence that Dr. Bobbitt has shown in me," Alderdice said. "I am equally enthusiastic about the opportunities ahead at ASMSA as we continue to provide meaningful and challenging learning experiences for gifted students from across the state, further their growth on the path to becoming leaders in their fields, and champion the ways our educators are promoting innovative learning in the classroom."
Alderdice is currently completing his doctoral degree in postsecondary education leadership through Western Kentucky University. He holds a master's in English and a Bachelor of Arts in English and religious studies, both from Western Kentucky University.
ASMSA is a public, residential school for high school juniors and seniors who excel in the study of math and science. One of only 13 similar schools across the country, ASMSA is a campus of the University of Arkansas System and has a current enrollment of 206 students from across the state.
Current ASMSA Director Dr. Janet Hugo will retire June 30.