Dr. Russell Dyer returned to Collierville in March of 2024 after a successful eight-year tenure as the Director of Cleveland City Schools in Cleveland, Tennessee. Prior to his time at Cleveland City Schools, Dyer served in multiple roles in Collierville Schools and Shelby County Schools, most recently as the district’s Chief of Staff from 2014-16.

Since rejoining Collierville Schools, Dr. Dyer has helped lead the district to significant statewide and national recognition. Under his leadership, Collierville Schools was named a 2026 District of Distinction by the District Administration Leadership Institute, honored in the STEM & Career Pathways category for the district’s innovative aviation program. This nationally recognized pathway continues to expand real-world opportunities for students, offering hands-on training, industry partnerships, and access to aviation and aerospace careers.

Additionally, Collierville High School earned the 2025 Tennessee School Boards Association (TSBA) Award for Excellence in Education, recognizing programs that are innovative, impactful, and exemplary across the state. In the same year, the Collierville Schools Board of Education received the TSBA Board of Distinction designation for the first time in district history, reflecting its commitment to strategic leadership and educational excellence.

Prior to returning to Collierville, Dr. Dyer oversaw the development of one of Tennessee’s only high school aviation build programs through a partnership with Tango Flight—an initiative that provided students with hands-on experience in aerospace, mechanical, and design engineering while constructing an FAA-certified RV‑12iS airplane.

Several of his professional achievements include the 2023 Community First in Education Award from Cleveland State Community College, Southeast Tennessee Superintendent of the Year (2019), Tennessee PTA Outstanding Principal of the Year (2011), and Rotary Club Teacher of the Year (1999). He was also named to the National School Public Relations Association’s Superintendents to Watch list (2020).

Dr. Dyer maintains an active leadership presence at both the state and national levels. He currently represents Tennessee on the Governing Board for the American Association of School Administrators (AASA) and serves as President of the Association of Independent and Municipal Schools (AIMS) in Tennessee. This summer, he will also represent Tennessee superintendents at the Day of AI event at MIT, contributing to national work on artificial intelligence in education.

He is additionally involved in several professional networks, including Leading Now, the District Administration Leadership Institute (DALI), and the Education Research and Development Institute (ERDI), along with long-standing involvement in the Tennessee Organization of School Superintendents (TOSS) and AASA. Throughout his career, he has also supported numerous community and nonprofit boards.

Dr. Dyer holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Lambuth University, a Master of Education degree from Freed‑Hardeman University, and a Doctorate in Education from Trevecca Nazarene University. He is an avid outdoors enthusiast who enjoys hiking and water activities, is active in his church, and continues to mentor students through youth programs.