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Dr. Jarod Mendenhall

Contact Dr. Jarod Mendenhall

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Executive Assistant
Carla Cooper
918-684-3700

Media Requests 
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Communications
918-684-3700 ext. 3534

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Office Location
202 W. Broadway
Muskogee, OK 74401

WORDS OF SUPPORT

"I have known Dr. Mendenhall for twenty-five years in a variety of leadership roles. He is a passionate instructional and organizational leader who believes in setting high standards while leading with a high-degree of integrity.  He is a proven educational leader who understands the dynamic nature of school leadership within a large progressive school system. As the Superintendent of Broken Arrow Public Schools, Dr. Mendenhall implemented a number of measures and programs to ensure the district was well positioned to handle the many challenges of a growing district.  He increased fiscal oversight while also passing the largest bond proposition in the history of the district with more than a seventy-percent approval rating. His visionary leadership transformed the district through a number of site capital projects that resulted in significant energy savings and greater utilization of school facilities.  These investments instilled a renewed sense of pride and trust within the school and community."

Dr. Kirt Hartzler, Superintendent

Union Public Schools

"I had the pleasure of working directly with Dr. Mendenhall in Broken Arrow for six and a half years. He transformed the entire district to a school district that is well respected and admired by others throughout the state. He led us through a comprehensive strategic planning process that changed the trajectory of our school district. Through this process, Dr. Mendenhall involved various community stakeholders, which provided a clear vision for our organization now and into the future. In addition, during his tenure, we passed over $650 million dollars in bond funds. He led the design phase through the building process ultimately opening four new early childhood centers, three new elementary schools and one new middle school. Broken Arrow schools is a better place because of Dr. Mendenhall. I know of no one that could match the hard work, dedication and commitment that I witnessed from him. Dr. Mendenhall is a fine leader, but more than anything else, he has the highest of character and integrity."

Mr. Steve Allen, Board President

Broken Arrow Board of Education

"If you want progressive ideas, a heart of commitment, and an honorable person – Dr. Jarod Mendenhall is hard to beat.  Dr. Mendenhall and I have worked closely together through the Broken Arrow Economic Development Corporation and the Education Committee for the Broken Arrow Chamber of Commerce.  Working closely with someone allows you to become familiar with his or her “style”, and to observe his or her characteristics.  Two of Dr. Mendenhall’s characteristics I grew to appreciate are Leadership and Adaptability.  Leadership is a buzzword and of course, it is expected from a person who serves in an executive role.  Unfortunately, there is a dearth of true leadership in education.  Jarod is a gifted leader.  His ability to bring disparate views together and find consensus is nothing less than impressive.  His ability to not only “think big” but also “go big” inspires confidence and creativity in everyone he leads.  Rarely is someone able to gain the confidence of his board, faculty, staff, parents and community.  Dr. Mendenhall scores high marks in all categories.  He truly is a five-star leader."

Pastor Joe C. Cook, Senior Pastor

Hope Church, Broken Arrow

BIOGRAPHY

Dr. Jarod Mendenhall has served as the Superintendent of Muskogee Public Schools since July 1, 2018.  He has been in the field of education for over thirty years, with experience as a classroom teacher, coach, principal, central office administrator and superintendent.  

In the three years at Muskogee, Dr. Mendenhall has led the district through a comprehensive five-year strategic plan, passed the largest bond referendum ($110 million) in the district’s history and had three different schools receive the National School of Character Award.   

Prior to his service in Muskogee, he was the Chief of Governmental Affairs in Mesquite, Texas where he served as the district’s liaison for the local, state, and federal governments. He helped lead the district through a strategic planning process, assisted with policy development, and helped design a new accrediting process.

Before his time in Texas, Dr. Mendenhall served as the Superintendent of Broken Arrow Public Schools. During his tenure, he led the district through a five-year strategic planning process, oversaw the district’s largest bond referendum ($370 million), opened eight new schools, and managed student growth rate of four percent annually.

Dr. Mendenhall received his high school diploma from Enid High School in 1986. He later earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from Northeastern State University in 1991 and a Master’s Degree in Public School Administration in 1997.  Dr. Mendenhall later received his Doctorate Degree in 2010 from Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma where he was named the Most Outstanding Doctoral Student in 2011.

Dr. Mendenhall has received awards and recognitions throughout his career.  In 2017, he received the National Superintendent Certification through AASA and was named the Man of Distinction by the Tulsa Business & Legal News in 2015.  Dr. Mendenhall has been awarded the District 5 Superintendent of the Year in 2014 and named “Superintendent of the Year” for Rachel’s Challenge in 2012.

EDUCATION AND SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS

• Doctorate of Educational Leadership (Oral Roberts University, 2011)

• Master of Science in Public School Administration (Northeastern State University, 1997)

• Bachelor of Science in Education (Northeastern State University, 1991)

• High School Diploma (Enid High School, 1986)

• National Superintendent Certification (AASA, 2017)

• 6 years of teaching experience

• 24 years of administrative experience

• 10 years of superintendent experience

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY

• Teacher/Coach - Sapulpa Public Schools (3,200 students), 1991-1994
• Teacher/Coach - Union Public Schools (14,000 students), 1994-1997
• Assistant Principal - Bartlesville Public Schools (4,700 students), 1997-1998
• Principal - Union Public Schools (15,000 students), 1998-2003
• Executive Director of Curriculum - Broken Arrow Public Schools (17,000 students), 2003-2004
• Assistant Superintendent - Union Public Schools (16,000 students), 2004-2010
• Superintendent - Broken Arrow Public Schools (19,000 students), 2010-2017
• Chief of Governmental Affairs - Mesquite ISD (45,000 students), 2017-2018
• Superintendent - Muskogee Public Schools (5,500 students), 2018-Present

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS & BOARD MEMBERSHIPS

• Oklahoma Association of School Administrators (OASA), Member, 2005-Present 

  • OASA Region 5 Representative, 2014-2017

• Oklahoma United Suburban Schools Association (USSA), 2005-Present

  • USSA Vice-President, 2015-2016

  • USSA President, 2016-2017

• Tulsa Council of Area School Administrators (TCASA), 2005-2017 

  • TCASA Chair, 2010-2011

• Oklahoma State Superintendent’s Advisory Council, 2010-Present

• TTCU Federal Credit Union Board, 2014-2017

  • Advisory Board Member, 2014-2017

• Muskogee Chamber of Commerce, 2018-Present

  • Board Member, 2019-Present

• Muskogee Area Administrator Organization, 2018-Present

RECOGNITION, SERVICE, AND AWARDS

• AASA National Superintendent Certification, 2017
• Tulsa Business and Legal News Man of Distinction, 2015
• OASA District 5 Superintendent of the Year, 2014
• Broken Arrow Citizen of the Year Award, 2013
• Rachel’s Challenge National Superintendent of the Year, 2012
• ORU Most Outstanding Achievement Doctoral Graduate, 2011
• Leadership Tulsa, 2008

• CCOSA Superintendent’s Academy, 2004