A native of Helena, Arkansas, Dr. Echols brings twelve years of various educational
experiences to the Hot Springs School District. Dr. Echols earned a bachelor's degree
in Biology from the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff, a master's degree in Educational
Leadership from Harding University and specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction
from the University of Central Arkansas. She earned her doctoral degree in Educational
Leadership P-20 in May of 2020 from Harding University where she is an adjunct professor
in the Educational Leadership program.
Dr. Echols has served in administrative roles within the Hot Springs School District
since 2012. She was an assistant principal at Hot Springs Intermediate for two and
a half years before she moved to Langston Magnet School to serve as principal in January
of 2016. As principal of Hot Springs World Class High School beginning February 2017,
she was instrumental in establishing a culture of learning through collaboration.
Dr. Echols started her educational career as a science educator at Ted Polk Middle
School in Carrollton, Texas before moving to Watson Chapel Junior High in 2009. There
she taught science and later was named assistant principal.
Her passion, focus on students, dynamic personality and commitment to education are
qualities that make her an effective leader. She believes in the success of all students
and engages in collaborative work with the entire school community to achieve success.
In her new role, her goal is to always contribute wherever she serves through dedication,
integrity, and hard work. She plans to bring innovative practices to streamline the
curriculum k-12 and foster a continued culture of growth for the district through
professional learning communities. She is excited to continue working to empower the
HSSD staff to lead servantly and create the best educational experience for the students
of HSSD.
She and her husband, Rodney, have two children.
