Greg Murry, Conway school district superintendent, was recently presented with the 2013 Arkansas Superintendent of the Year Award. Richard Abernathy, executive director for the Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators (AAEA), surprised Murry by presenting him with the award during the dedication of a new high school Sunday.

The American Association of School Administrators (AASA) National Superintendent of the Year program, sponsored by Aramark Education, ING and AASA, pays tribute to the talent and vision of the men and women who lead the nation’s public schools, according to a news release. Candidates are judged on leadership for learning, communication, professionalism and community involvement. Each state association of school administrators selects a State Superintendent of the Year. These superintendents are then in the running for National Superintendent of the Year and will be recognized and honored at the AASA National Conference on Education in February in Los Angeles.

“I have known Dr. Murry for many years, and he has always displayed the leadership and personal qualities you look for in a superintendent,” Abernathy said.

Murry has been superintendent for Conway Public Schools since 2007. Previously, he worked as the assistant superintendent for business affairs at the Springdale School District. He was also the principal and assistant principal in Springdale from 1992 to 1998 and the assistant principal and principal at Ashdown School District from 1998 to 1992.

Murry is well respected among education experts and his peers.

“Greg Murry has earned the respect of his fellow administrators and other educators in Arkansas,” said Benny Gooden, Fort Smith School District superintendent, and American Association of School Administrators president, in a news release. “He is a leader in the continuing action of the Arkansas Association of School Administrators in every area — especially in advocacy before the Arkansas General Assembly when educational issues are being debated.”