Russell Dyer

Dr. 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 tenure 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. 

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

Dr. Dyer has held numerous leadership positions in various professional organizations, including the Tennessee Organization of School Superintendents, the Association of Independent and Municipal Schools (where he is currently President), and the American Association of School Administrators - The School Superintendents Association. He also served on the Board for the Boys and Girls Club of the Ocoee Region, the United Way of the Ocoee Region, the Bradley Cleveland Public Education Foundation, and the Tennessee Risk Management Trust Fund while in Cleveland. 

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; he enjoys hiking and water sports. He is also active in his church and mentors students in the youth ministry.