The West Memphis School District is proud to announce the appointment of three exceptional leaders who will join the district’s executive team beginning July 1, 2025. The School Board has approved the hiring of Dr. Cedric Hawkins as Deputy Superintendent, Mr. Claude Wilson II as Chief Academic Officer (CAO) for Elementary (K-6), and Mr. Kamiah Turner as Chief Academic Officer (CAO) for Secondary (7-12).
“These new hires will strengthen the vision of our school district,” said Superintendent Foister. “They are solid leaders whose knowledge and experience will benefit our students and teachers. Not only are they talented professionals, but they are also personable and lead with heart. I am excited to get to work with them.”
Dr. Cedric Hawkins – Deputy Superintendent
With more than 25 years in K–12 education, Dr. Hawkins brings a deep well of knowledge and leadership experience to West Memphis. He most recently served as Assistant Superintendent for the White Hall School District since 2017. Throughout his career—as a classroom teacher, basketball coach, assistant principal, principal, and district leader—Dr. Hawkins has consistently driven improvement in student achievement, system turnaround, human resources, and operational efficiency.
He holds a BSE from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, an MSE from Arkansas State University, and both an Ed.S. and Ed.D. from Harding University. As Deputy Superintendent, Dr. Hawkins will oversee Human Resources, Buildings and Grounds, Technology, Maintenance, Finance, and Student Services.
Mr. Claude Wilson II – Chief Academic Officer, Elementary (K–6)
Mr. Wilson joins West Memphis with a decade of experience in education, including eight years as a classroom teacher. Since 2018, he has served as Principal of Hawkins Mill Elementary in Memphis, Tennessee, where he led the school through a dramatic transformation, increasing overall proficiency from 5.6% to 30%, removing the school from priority status, and earning back-to-back Reward School recognition and Level 5 status from the State of Tennessee.
Mr. Wilson earned a B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing from Jackson State University. As CAO for K–6, he will lead curriculum and instructional efforts across all elementary schools.
Mr. Kamiah Turner – Chief Academic Officer, Secondary (7–12)
Currently Principal at Colonial Middle School, Mr. Kamiah Turner is a nationally recognized educator known for turning vision into action. Under his leadership, Colonial earned a Level 5 TVAAS composite score and a “B” letter grade from the State of Tennessee for two consecutive years. His leadership style blends academic rigor with creativity, arts integration, and a relentless focus on student potential.
Mr. Turner holds a B.S. in Computer Science and Mathematics from Rust College (magna cum laude), and both an M.A. and Ed.S. in Educational Leadership from Union University. With nearly 20 years in education, he is widely respected for his expertise in data-driven instruction and servant leadership. As CAO for 7–12, he will oversee curriculum and instruction across all secondary schools.