Meet Transcend’s 2026 Rural Superintendent Fellows

Dr. Todd Dugan, Bunker Hill Community Unit School District #8

Dr. Todd Dugan is the Superintendent of Bunker Hill Community Unit School District #8, a remote rural PK-12 district in south-central Illinois. Drawing from his own upbringing in a rural working-class family, Dr. Dugan focuses on dismantling barriers faced by “downstate” students. His leadership includes transformative programs like Certified Nursing Assistant pathways and “Grade 13” initiatives that provide career-aligned opportunities. He co-leads the AASA Advancing Rural Education cohort, serves as President-elect of the Association of Illinois Rural and Small Schools, and was recently accepted into the Google GSV Education Fellowship. Through these roles, he works to ensure that a student’s zip code does not determine their level of opportunity.

Dr. Andrew Bryan, Edgecombe County Public Schools

Dr. Andrew Bryan has served as Superintendent of Edgecombe County Public Schools since September 2023, bringing over 30 years of educational experience. In just over two years, Dr. Bryan has navigated a complex school demerger and launched innovative initiatives to support student success. Under his leadership, the district secured a $62 million grant to reimagine the North Edgecombe School of Innovation, introduced the Cambridge International International Curriculum at two schools, and partnered with Edgecombe Community College to upgrade career pathways. The district has focused on workforce development and postsecondary success through partnerships with AASA, NCDPI, and Transcend, helping increase the graduation rate from 76.8% to 81.6%. Dr. Bryan holds a Doctor of Education from the University of Virginia.

Dr. Jessica Cromer, Floyd County Public Schools

Dr. Jessica Cromer has served Floyd County Public Schools since 2005, beginning as a middle school social studies and science teacher before moving into administration. She served as Assistant Principal/CTE Director at Floyd County High School, principal at Check Elementary, and Assistant Superintendent of Instruction and Innovation before becoming Superintendent in 2023. Dr. Cromer holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from Virginia Tech, a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Radford University, and completed her Doctorate in Education at Radford University in 2022. She lives in Floyd County with her husband, Grady and their son, Bennett, where they enjoy spending time outdoors and working on their cattle farm.

Dr. Heather Lyon, Lyndonville Central School District

Heather Lyon, Ph.D., is the Superintendent of the Lyndonville Central School District. She holds a Ph.D. in Educational Administration and an Ed.M. in Reading from the University at Buffalo. Dr. Lyon is an experienced educator and leader who has served as a teacher, staff developer, and district leader, working with diverse learners across all grade levels. She is also a consultant, speaker, author, and blogger. Her books include Engagement Is Not a Unicorn (It’s a Narwhal), The BIG Book of Engagement Strategies, and 50 Ways to Engage Students with Google Apps. Dr. Lyon is deeply committed to relationship-centered leadership, inclusive schools, and ensuring every student has access to high-quality learning experiences.

Dr. Karen Roseboro, Montgomery County Schools

Dr. Karen Morning Roseboro is the Superintendent of Montgomery County Schools and a distinguished North Carolina leader specializing in transforming rural, low-performing districts. Previously the Superintendent of Tyrrell County Schools and an executive leader in Anson County, she has consistently driven gains in instructional quality, student achievement, and systems coherence. Beginning her career in Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools, Dr. Roseboro developed a reputation for results-driven leadership and community engagement. Her accolades include the UNCG Inspirational Educator Award and the NC ASCD Trailblazer Award. She holds a B.A. from East Carolina University, an M.A. from Gardner-Webb University, and an Ed.D. from Wingate University. Dr. Roseboro remains dedicated to ensuring high-quality educational opportunities for every student, regardless of their zip code.

Dr. Andrew Harris, NE Academy for Aerospace and Advanced Technologies

NEAAAT’s founding leader, Dr. Andrew Harris, currently serves as the school’s Chief Executive Officer and oversees all aspects of its operation. A rural Northeastern North Carolina native, Dr. Harris began his career in education as a public high school science teacher and coach. Over the past two decades, he has served schools and districts as an instructional specialist, principal, and administrator. Just before founding NEAAAT, Dr. Harris collaborated with colleagues and communities to develop innovative STEM schools, programs, and training models that have been implemented across several southeastern states. Dr. Harris holds B.S. and M.S. degrees in Biology, and an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership. His doctoral research centered on improving educational equity, emphasizing school choice in rural communities. He currently resides in Elizabeth City, NC, with his wife, Kim, and their four children.

Rene Sanchez, Rutland Northeast Supervisory Union

Rene Sanchez is a data-driven leader and systems thinker with five years of experience as a Vermont superintendent. He has successfully implemented strategic plans, facilities bonds, and comprehensive data platforms while expanding community engagement. Previously, in South Bend, he bridged the digital divide during the pandemic by digitizing HR processes and installing Wi-Fi on school buses—an initiative that earned national recognition. As principal of Houston’s Chavez High School, he established two IB Programs and a dual-diploma track, earning OECD recognition for closing achievement gaps while tripling the number of student scholarships. A Texas native, Sanchez holds degrees from Notre Dame, UT-Austin, and Ohio State. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at Indiana State and enjoys cycling, cooking, and outdoor time with his family.

Dr. Jamie Shaun King, Sampson County Schools

Dr. Jamie Shaun King is the Superintendent of Sampson County Schools, leading a rural district serving approximately 8,000 students across southeastern North Carolina. Since assuming the role in 2023, Dr. King has secured more than $80 million in new funding—including $62 million for the construction of a new high school—and has launched initiatives such as SparkNC Labs to expand career-connected learning and real-world experiences for students.

With over 20 years of experience in public education, Dr. King has served as a teacher, school leader, and district executive, including as a Regional Superintendent in Guilford County Schools, where he led large-scale curriculum implementation and school improvement efforts. His leadership is grounded in community-based design and the belief that rural communities possess powerful assets that, when aligned with industry, higher education, and local partners, can create meaningful and future-ready learning pathways for students.

Dr. King holds degrees from Appalachian State University and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, as well as a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from High Point University.

Christy Wray, Turner County Schools

Christy Wray is the Superintendent of Turner County Schools and a veteran public education leader with nearly 30 years of experience serving rural communities. A former high school mathematics teacher, she has held numerous district leadership roles focused on curriculum, instruction, assessment, and professional learning. Under her leadership, she has secured approximately $12 million in competitive grant funding, including two Georgia College & Career Academy grants, expanded regional partnerships, strengthened college and career pathways, and achieved districtwide accreditation with quality. Mrs. Wray is honored to lead work that improves student achievement, literacy, and workforce readiness for all students.