Jennifer Collier, who has spent her career as a Kansas City educator, was recently named superintendent of Missouri’s Kansas City Public Schools after serving as interim superintendent since last August.

Collier — whose selection made history as the district’s first female superintendent and the first black woman superintendent— began her career in the Kansas City school system 23 years ago.

“I’ve dedicated my life’s work to the students, families, teachers, and academic mission of Kansas City Public Schools,” said Collier in a news release. “I’m humbled by the support I’ve received, and I ask all of you to join me in rolling up our sleeves and getting to work on behalf of our scholars.”

Collier previously held positions in the 14,128-student school district as a music teacher, assistant principal, principal, chief human resource officer, chief of staff, and deputy superintendent.

She was selected from a pool of 17 applicants following a national superintendent search, which began in fall 2022.

“Dr. Collier’s collaborative leadership philosophy, coupled with her experience in this district, make her the right person to lead KCPS through an era of ambitious academic achievement, setting our students up for success in a modern global workforce,” said Tanesha Ford, Kansas City school board member. “Dr. Collier keeps student success the focus of everything we do as a district.”

She succeeds Mark Bedell, who resigned from the district after six years at the helm.