Hinds County School District Appoints Dr. Mitchell Shears as Superintendent
The Hinds County School District Board of Trustees has appointed Mitchell Shears, Ed.D., as the district’s next superintendent, effective July 1, 2025. Dr. Shears brings 25 years of experience in education, having served in various leadership roles, including Associate Vice President for Student Success at Jackson State University and Academic Dean at Hinds Community College – Utica Campus. The board selected Dr. Shears after an extensive search and interview process.
“We are thrilled about the opportunities Dr. Shears brings to our district through his extensive career experience, strong educational leadership, and deep commitment to the students, families, and community of the Hinds County School District,” said Dr. Linda Laws, Board President, Hinds County School District.
Throughout his career, Dr. Shears has been a teacher, instructional specialist, principal, and executive director of academic support (formerly known as assistant superintendent). His leadership in securing funding has resulted in significant financial support for educational institutions, including:
• $15.5 million from the U.S. Department of Education for community colleges
• $4 million from the National Science Foundation for community colleges
• $23.3 million from the U.S. Department of Education for universities
• $1.2 million from the National Science Foundation for universities
“I am deeply honored to return to the school district that laid the foundation for my own education,” Dr. Shears said of his appointment. “Hinds County School District shaped me as a student, and now, as superintendent, I am committed to ensuring that every student has the support and resources needed to succeed at their own level of ability and achievement. Together, we will build on the district’s legacy of excellence and create even greater pathways for student success.”
Dr. Shears earned a bachelor’s degree in mass communications and a master’s degree in elementary education from Alcorn State University. He later obtained an education specialist degree and a doctorate in educational leadership from Mississippi College.
Dr. Shears is actively involved in professional and community organizations, serving as the National First Vice President of the Alcorn State University Alumni Association, President of the Mississippi Association of Educational Opportunity Program Personnel, a Board Member for both the Southeastern Association of Educational Opportunity Program Personnel and the Mississippi Statewide Afterschool Network, and a State Research Advisory Committee Member for United for ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed). In 2023, he was honored as the Mississippi College Distinguished Alumnus of the Year for the Department of Teacher Education and Leadership.
