Kenneth James, president for the Arkansas Advanced Initiative for Math and Science, will retire from the organization on Dec. 31, the AAIMS announced Thursday.
James, a former state education commissioner and former superintendent of three Arkansas school districts, has led the group since 2013. During his time there, AAIMS has expanded to more than 70 schools and added 11 new schools as a part of Cohort 9 this fall.
"The AAIMS Board has been extremely pleased with the progress and positive gains made under Ken's leadership and we will miss his experience, commitment, and devoted efforts," Jerry Adams, the group's board chair, said in a news release. "Ken has been an exceptional leader, and we wish him and his wife the very best."
The nonprofit AAIMS, housed at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, partners with the university and public high schools across the state to improve Advanced Placement mathematics, science and English education and increase college retention and graduation rates in STEM disciplines.
The group's board said it hopes to find a replacement for James in November.
