The Arkansas Department of Education has named Anthony Owen as the new coordinator of computer science.
In that role, he will serve as the leader of the computer science initiative in the state beginning on July 1.
Owen will work to identify the state’s computer science and technology needs and to develop an Arkansas Computer Science Network. This network will connect teachers and representatives from higher education and business and industry to ensure the department’s efforts are up to date.
Owen will assist schools with integrating new computer science standards and courses and assist with recruiting computer science teachers.
Owen has served as the department’s K-12 math and computer science curriculum specialist since 2011. He also serves as the state coordinator of mathematics for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching and as an executive board member for the Arkansas Council of Mathematics Teachers.
Owen began his career in education as a math and science teacher at Sheridan High School in 2006. He later taught mathematics at Gurdon High School, Goza Middle School at Arkadelphia and England High School. In addition, he served as a state lead curriculum writer for the Southern Regional Education Board from 2011-2013.
Owen received a B.S. in mathematics with a minor in education and computer science and a master of science in education in educational leadership from Henderson State University at Arkadelphia. He received a juris doctorate from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock Bowen School of Law in 2013 and has been a member of the Arkansas Bar Association since April 2014.
The Arkansas Department of Education also selected Dr. Eric Saunders as the assistant commissioner for research and technology. Saunders is currently the assistant commissioner for Fiscal and Administrative Services and will begin transitioning to his new position July 1.
Greg Rogers will take over Saunders’ role as the assistant commissioner for Fiscal and Administrative Services on July 1. Rogers currently serves as chief fiscal officer and has 18 years of experience in state government.
Computer science has been among Gov. Asa Hutchinson’s major initiatives; he has allocated $5 million to expand computer science offerings, build teacher capacity and expand workforce readiness in the field.
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