The Board of School Trustees of the Merrillville Community School Corporation announced the hiring of Dr. Dexter Suggs as the new Assistant Superintendent of Teaching, Learning & Academic Programming. Dr. Suggs will begin his new post on July 1, 2019 and stated, “I am humbled and honored to serve the Merrillville Community School Corporation as assistant superintendent. I am grateful for the trust of Superintendent Brown and the School Board to become a part of a wonderful educational community that strives to serve all children. It is my pledge to do my part to support and continue the great work of the students, teachers, staff, and community.”
He is currently an associate faculty member for the Indiana University School of Education @ IUPUI. He brings experience as an administrator for the MSD Wayne Township, CEO/Superintendent for the Little Rock, Arkansas School District, Chief of Staff/Chief Information Officer and Director of Transportation, Operations and Communications for the Indianapolis Public Schools.
Dr. Suggs earned his Ph.D in Education Administration from Indiana State University, administration certification from Indiana University @ IUPUI, an M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction from Indiana Wesleyan University and a B.S. from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville.
Dr. Suggs has received numerous recognitions and honors including a National Educator Award from the Milken Family Foundation. This award was called the “Oscars of Teaching” by Teacher Magazine. The recipients of this award must meet the following criteria: possess exceptional educational talent as evidenced by outstanding instructional practices in the classroom, school, and profession; make outstanding educational accomplishments beyond the classroom; have strong, long-range potential for professional and policy leadership; and have an engaging and inspiring presence that motivates and impacts students, colleagues, and the community.
Dr. Suggs grew up in St. Louis, enrolled at Southern Illinois University and joined the Army Reserve and served during the war with Iraq. Such life experiences led him to a career in education. He was quoted as saying, “It’s not about Dexter Suggs, it’s about you taking care of the mission that you’ve been sent to do in this lifetime.”
The Merrillville Community School Corporation looks forward to welcoming Dr. Suggs to our school community and the families we serve. Dr. Suggs truly stood out among the highly qualified field of candidates for his passion and proven track record in making student-focused decisions to support academic success. Dr. Suggs has in-depth expertise in instructional strategies and models using instructional technology and innovative programs. His strength as a communicator and collaborative leader focused on building positive relationships will impact Merrillville’s student successes. Superintendent Nick Brown states, “We are excited to have Dr. Suggs as part of our leadership team helping kids succeed.”