10/02/2026
Congratulations to NCES Assistant Principal Whitney Alexander!
We have exciting news to share! 🙂
Newton County Assistant Principal Selected for Inaugural National Rural Principal Fellows Cohort
Newton County, Mississippi — October 2, 2026 — The Mississippi Rural Education Association congratulates Whitney Alexander, assistant principal at Newton County Elementary School, on her selection to the inaugural National Rural Principal Fellows cohort through the National Rural Education Association (NREA).
Alexander is one of the rural school leaders selected to take part in the first cohort of the national fellowship. The program will bring rural principals and school leaders together from across the country to learn from one another and share ideas about the work taking place in rural schools and communities.
Whitney's selection is an opportunity to bring the perspective of a rural school leader from Newton County to a national group of educators.
As part of the fellowship, Alexander will participate in professional learning, connect with other rural school leaders, and exchange ideas about the challenges and opportunities that come with working in a rural school setting.
“We are so excited for Whitney and proud that she will be representing Mississippi in this first group of Rural Principal Fellows,” said Dr. Patti Permenter, Associate Director of the Program of Research and Evaluation for Public Schools (PREPS) and Co-Chair of the Mississippi Rural Education Association. “Whitney is a wonderful example of the dedication we see in rural educators across our state. She cares deeply about her school, her students, and the community she serves.”
Life in a rural school often means taking on many different responsibilities. School leaders support teachers and instruction while also working with families, community members, and others to make sure students have what they need.
Permenter said the fellowship will give Alexander a chance to learn from other rural educators and bring some of those ideas back to Mississippi.
“Anytime our rural educators have an opportunity to connect with people doing this work in other parts of the country, there is something to be gained,” Permenter said. “Whitney will have the chance to learn from other rural leaders, share some of the great things happening in Newton County, and bring new ideas home with her.”
Alexander has also been involved with the Mississippi Rural Education Association for several years. In 2024, she was a finalist in the MSREA Teacher of the Year contest. Her selection for the new fellowship continues that connection and recognizes her work as a rural educator and school leader.
The Mississippi Rural Education Association congratulates Alexander and looks forward to seeing her represent Newton County and Mississippi as a member of the inaugural National Rural Principal Fellows cohort.
Congratulations, Whitney! We are proud to have you representing Newton County and Mississippi!
The Mississippi Rural Education Association supports Mississippi’s rural schools, educators, school leaders, and communities. Through professional learning, collaboration, leadership development, and advocacy, MSREA works to strengthen rural education and recognize the educators and community members who make a difference in the lives of Mississippi students. Learn more at msrea.msstate.edu.
