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Arkansas Rural Education Association Names Dr. Matt McClure as Next Executive Director

Arkansas Rural Ed Association

April 22, 2026

The Board of Directors of the Arkansas Rural Education Association (AREA) voted unanimously to approve Dr. Matt McClure as the organization’s next Executive Director. McClure will succeed current Executive Director Dennis Copeland, who will retire in December after 47 years of dedicated service to rural schools across Arkansas including four as Assistant Director and five as Executive Director. Click here for more information.