Dilworth to direct new service division

A retiring Mississippi school administrator soon will have a leadership role in a new education service division at Mississippi State.

Columbus school superintendent Reuben E. Dilworth Sr. will be the field project director in the College of Education's Center for Educational Partnerships. He begins work July 1.

An Alcorn County native and longtime assistant school superintendent in Jackson, Dilworth will be responsible for implementing and managing programs and services for state school districts and other entities served by the center.

The center provides a range of extension services, including curriculum and professional development programs, technical consultation and educational research, among others. It also serves as the college's liaison to the state Department of Education, regional consortia, foundations and other agencies and institutions supporting public school education.

Among Dilworth's major duties will be recruitment of new members for the center's Program for Research and Evaluation of Public Schools (PREPS).

"Dr. Dilworth is one of the most successful and highly regarded school leaders in our state," said center director Mike Walters.

Dilworth's appointment is expected to be formally approved at a future meeting of the state College Board.