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Lowndes County’s own public schools’ superintendent, Samita Jeter, received recognition recently at the Alabama Education Association (AEA) Adminicon Conference in Birmingham.

The association honored educators during the conference held Jan. 31 and Feb. 1. Jeter, among those recognized for outstanding achievements in their field, was named AEA’s Outstanding Superintendent of the Year.”

Jeter took on the role of superintendent of Lowndes County Public Schools in October 2023 after serving as the executive director of Head Start. She earned her bachelor’s degree in 1996 and a master’s in 1998, specializing her studies at Alabama State University (ASU) in early childhood education before launching her career in education as a first grade-teacher.

As an ASU “50 Under 50” award winner, Jeter attributes her success as an educator to her time at the college. In a media release issued by ASU, Jeter said, “The academic programs at Alabama State have provided me with a strong foundation that allowed me to build and base my teaching and administrative skills upon. The faculty and mentorship opportunities that I had at ASU within both my bachelor’s and master’s degree programs helped me refine my skills, and my certification at the university in administration and supervision was the icing on the cake. ASU made me all that I am today within the field of education.”

The association conveyed awards to four educational leaders during the conference. Other award recipients are:

• Dr. Bridgette Massey-Johnson, Montgomery County Schools — “Outstanding Central Office Administrator the Year;”
• JaaDaa Holcombe, Mobile County Public School System — “Outstanding Principal of the Year;” and
• Heath McLeod, St. Clair County Schools — Outstanding Assistant Principal of the Year.