The South Central Core of School Superintendents comprising fifteen school districts from thirteen counties has chosen Michael Adkins as their Tennessee Organization of School Superintendents (TOSS) representative for State Superintendent of the Year. Mr. Adkins has been the Director of Schools for Lawrence County, TN since June of 2020. Mr. Adkins served as the principal of Lawrence County High School for twelve years from 2008-2020 and as assistant principal at LCHS 2007-2008. Before returning to Lawrence County in 2007, he held various positions at Saint Bernard Preparatory School in Cullman, Alabama including Assistant Headmaster, Dean of Students, and Director of Athletics.
Adkins is one of nine finalists for State Superintendent of the Year, which will be determined later this fall. During Adkins tenure as Director, LCSS has adjusted to the needs of a changing educational community, completed numerous capital improvement projects, increased salary and wages for employees, and implemented new programs addressing students' social and emotional needs and recently the work of the faculty, staff, and students resulted in five Reward Schools, several A/B report card grades.
According to Mr. Adkins, “The success of Lawrence County can only be attributed to the work of the dedicated men and women who have answered the call to serve our students. From student transportation, mechanics, maintenance, educational assistants, school receptionists, bookkeepers, food service, administrators, teachers, substitute teachers, and Central Office staff, along with the support of the Lawrence County Board of Education and County Commissioners, they are to be commended for their unyielding work and support of our system. Any recognition I receive as Superintendent is and should be a reminder and direct reflection of their hard work. I am honored to serve with and work alongside the nearly 1,100 employees who give of themselves for our students and the future of Lawrence County. This honor is shared with all 1,100 of them.”
Mr. Adkins is a native of Lawrence County. He is married to Candece and has two daughters, Kenzie and Kelsey.