The Marion School District has named Jennifer Snyder as its new Director of College, Career & Military Readiness, bringing one of Arkansas' most respected career and technical education leaders to the district.
Snyder brings more than a decade of leadership in career and technical education to Marion. Most recently, she served six years as Career and Technical Education Coordinator for Crowley's Ridge Educational Service Cooperative, where she provided leadership and support for CTE programs serving 19 school districts across Northeast Arkansas. Prior to that, she taught in the Jonesboro School District, earning recognition as the ACTE Arkansas and Regional CTE Teacher of the Year before being named a national finalist for the honor.
Widely respected throughout the profession, Snyder has also served as president of the Arkansas Association for Career and Technical Education and as an ACTE National IAED Mentor.
In her new role, Snyder will lead the district's efforts to expand opportunities that prepare students for success after graduation. She will oversee Marion's CTE programs, dual credit opportunities, industry-recognized credentials, work-based learning experiences, postsecondary partnerships, and the district's new Air Force JROTC program.
“People often say that if you pick a job you love, you never work a day in your life, and I’ve found that to be true,” Snyder said. “Helping teachers discover their passion and engage students through hands-on learning is what I enjoy most. That's how you truly capture students and help them see a future for themselves.”
Snyder said she is especially excited about strengthening Marion's connections with colleges, universities, business and industry partners to create additional opportunities for students.
“My focus will be on building strong postsecondary partnerships, expanding concurrent credit opportunities, and developing career pathways that make the most sense for our community and our local workforce,” she said. “We want every student to have access to meaningful experiences that prepare them for whatever path they choose.”
She also looks forward to working closely with the business community to ensure Marion's programs reflect the skills employers need while providing students with authentic workplace experiences.
“Career and technical education is unique because we try to find people with real workplace experience and help them become outstanding teachers,” Snyder said. “I can help develop someone into a great educator, but I can't give them years of industry experience. That's what makes CTE so valuable for students.”
Snyder will also oversee the launch of Marion's new Air Force JROTC program, an opportunity she believes will serve an important role for many students.
“I'm passionate about supporting military-connected students and students who have a desire to serve their country,” she said. “JROTC provides leadership development, discipline, and a sense of purpose for students who thrive in that environment, whether they ultimately pursue military service or another career.”
Leaders in the field say Snyder's experience, statewide reputation, and collaborative leadership style make her an ideal fit to continue expanding opportunities that help Marion students graduate ready for college, careers, military service, and life.
“Marion students are going to benefit from having one of the most respected career and technical education leaders in Arkansas working on their behalf,” said Dr. Glen Fenter, Marion superintendent. “Jennifer Snyder has spent her career creating innovative programs, building strong partnerships with business and industry, and expanding opportunities for students. She is widely respected across the state for her ability to turn ideas into programs that prepare students for success in college, careers, and life.”
“Jennifer understands that great CTE is about helping students discover their strengths, connect them with meaningful opportunities, and build a future they can be excited about,” Fenter continued. “She has a remarkable ability to bring educators, employers, and community partners together around that mission, and her leadership will have a lasting impact on Marion students and the entire community.”
The Marion School District is an innovative and growing district that ensures an equitable, engaging learning community where every student is empowered to achieve academic excellence and personal growth. With more than 150 years of experience serving families in Crittenden County, the district offers a high school, a junior high, a seventh grade academy, and three award-winning magnet schools. For enrollment information, including information on school choice, visit https://www.msd3.org/ or call 870-739-5100.