A Samford University professor has been selected to serve as executive director for the Alabama Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.
Dr. Jane Cobia, a former superintendent in the Sylacauga City school system and a former president of AASCD, was chosen by the AASCD board of directors to serve as the association's executive director.   Created this year, the part-time position of executive director will provide direction and leadership for this growing organization.
In the wealth of experience in her educational career, Jane Cobia has served in the roles of instructor, graduate assistant, director of instruction, superintendent, consultant, coordinator of career/technical programs, assistant superintendent and professor.  She has authored publications on federal programs and child nutrition program information as well as made presentations across the southern United States.
During her career, she has served as the president of CLAS as well as being a long-time CLAS board member.  Dr. Cobia’s involvement extends to various committees and boards across the state.  Currently, she serves on the Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development International board of directors; the Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development Affiliate Study task force, audit committee, emerging leader coach, and member; and the Cheaha Boy Scouts board of directors.
"Dr. Cobia will do an outstanding job leading AASCD in this newly created role of executive director.  Her experiences as an Alabama educational leader, coupled with her outstanding organizational abilities and involvement at the national level, will pay dividends for the AASCD membership for many years to come,” said L. Earl Franks, CLAS executive director.  "I commend the AASCD board for their vision in establishing this position.  I look forward to working with Jane Cobia as we embrace and focus on AASCD’s mission and goals."
The executive director position derived from the retirement of the executive secretary position held for a number of years by Nancy Cotter.  "Nancy Cotter, who now moves into an emeritus leadership role, set the bar extremely high for those who serve in leadership positions for school and system leaders.  We will always be grateful to Nancy for leading the way in creating quality professional development opportunities for Alabama’s school leaders," stated Franks.