Mississippi Names New Superintendent of the Year
Cory Uselton, who leads DeSoto County Schools, earns state recognition for his leadership in the 2026-2027 school year.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Administration
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The Mississippi Association of School Administrators has named Cory Uselton, superintendent of DeSoto County Schools, as the 2026-2027 Mississippi Superintendent of the Year. This state-level recognition highlights a career marked by leadership roles in regional and statewide educational boards.
Why it matters
The recognition of district leaders impacts local families by highlighting the administrative oversight and vision shaping the educational environment for students across Mississippi. A superintendent's selection by state peers reflects the management priorities and policy direction influencing school district operations.
Cory Uselton currently leads DeSoto County Schools and serves in roles including president-elect of the Mississippi Association of School Superintendents. This 2026-2027 award builds on his previous recognition as the 2015 Mississippi High School Principal of the Year.
The players
Cory Uselton
Superintendent of DeSoto County Schools and the 2026-2027 Mississippi Superintendent of the Year.
Mississippi Association of School Administrators
The professional body responsible for evaluating and selecting education leadership at the state level.
DeSoto County Schools
The public school district currently led by Cory Uselton.
The details
The Mississippi Association of School Administrators selects the superintendent of the year by evaluating professional achievements and institutional impact within the state. Uselton’s career includes chairing the board of trustees for Northwest Mississippi Community College and serving on the Mississippi Department of Education's Superintendents' Advisory Council. These roles involve setting policy and administrative frameworks that affect both K-12 schooling and college readiness pathways.
Timeline
2012-2013: Uselton named DeSoto County Schools Principal of the Year.
2013: Uselton named Administrator of the Year for First District.
2015: Uselton named Mississippi High School Principal of the Year.
2020: Uselton received Man of the Year award from Southaven Chamber of Commerce.
2026-2027: Uselton named Mississippi Superintendent of the Year.
The Home Front
The award reflects the increasing emphasis on regional collaboration in state school administration. This trend connects local district management to broader state-level oversight and advisory structures.
Families in DeSoto County can review district policy updates and academic calendars to see how superintendent leadership influences student outcomes. Stay informed by monitoring the official school district portal for upcoming board meetings and budget hearings.
The takeaway
Peer-recognized leadership awards are a useful indicator of the administrative stability and strategic focus within your local school district. Parents can track these leadership shifts to better understand the long-term priorities affecting their children's schools.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest leadership developments in Mississippi Administration.
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Do you believe administrative awards accurately reflect the quality of education in your local schools?
