The UPSD Board of Trustees approved Dr. Tyler Hansford as Superintendent of Education effective July 1, 2024 at its regular meeting on Tuesday, October 17. The hire marks a return for Hansford to his alma mater where he served as superintendent from July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2023. Hansford is currently serving as superintendent of the Newton County School District and plans to complete the 2023-2024 academic year there.
A 2007 graduate of Union High School, Hansford began his career in education as a teacher at Union High School before being named principal at Union Middle School in 2014. He served as principal at UMS for 4 years before being elevated to superintendent in July of 2018. During his previous tenure, the district regained its A rating and grew its offerings of career and technical education programs to the level of reaching independent center status. The district also completed numerous facility and energy efficiency upgrades.
UPSD School Board President, Dr. Nicole Harrison, said of the process and the hire, “we are excited to have Dr. Hansford back home in Union. His knowledge and leadership has been, and will be, instrumental in helping Union Public School District continue to grow and prosper.”
Dr. Hansford said of his return to Union: “I am beyond excited to have the opportunity to return and lead my home district. It’s a place I truly love for so many reasons. The people here make the difference from students, to staff, to parents, to community. It’s just a special place. I am excited to pick up right where we left off. Our job is to create opportunities for students. It’s as simple as that. Together, we can do it! We already know we can.”
Hansford holds a bachelor’s degree from Mississippi State University, a master’s degree from Arkansas State University, and educational specialist and doctoral degrees from William Carey University. He is a graduate of the Mississippi School Boards Association Superintendent Academy, the National Institute for School Leadership Superintendent Academy, and the National Institute for School Leadership Executive Development Program. He is the vice president of the executive board of the East MS Center for Educational Development and the secretary of the executive board for the Mississippi Association of School Superintendents. Hansford also recently received an appointment to serve on the Mississippi Department of Education’s Commission on School Accreditation.
Hansford is married to Brandi Covington Hansford, a 2008 Union graduate. They have 2 daughters: Camryn (9) and Demi (4 months).
