ADE Summit 2026: Full Schedule

arrow_back View All Dates

1:00pm CDT

Hot Topics with ADE Leadership

Wednesday July 15, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

Horner Hall

Join members of the ADE leadership team as they discuss hot topics in education in Arkansas.

Speakers

Kiffany Pride

Assistant Commissioner, Arkansas Department of Education

Kiffany Pride currently serves as the Assistant Commissioner of Learning Services for Arkansas’ Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). With 27 years of experience, Dr. Pride has recently served as the Director of Curriculum and Assessment and RISE Assessor for the... Read More →

Ashelyn Abney

Brandie Benton

DESE

Matt Sewell

Assistant Commissioner, DESE

Stacy Smith

Deputy Commissioner, Arkansas Department of Education

Stacy Smith is a dedicated education professional currently serving as the Deputy Commissioner for the Arkansas Department of Education. With a passion for improving education in the state for all students and educators alike, she plays a pivotal role in shaping the state's educational... Read More →

Darrell Smith

Assistant Commissioner of School Choice & Parent Empowerment, Arkansas Department of Education

Darrell Smith has been involved in education for over 30 years. He spent almost 20 years in Arkansas serving as a teacher, principal, and administrator, helping to lead one of the largest private schools in the country to National Blue Ribbon status. He has recently led a number of... Read More →

Ross White

Education Divison Administrator, ADE - DCTE - Office of Leadership

Ross White, Director of Career and Technical Education (CTE), brings a wealth of CTE experience and knowledge to the division. Before serving as vice principal at Siloam Springs High School, a position he has held since July 2019, White was the director of the school’s CTE program... Read More →

Hope Worsham

Asst. Commissioner of Public School Accountability, DESE

Hope Worsham serves as the Assistant Commissioner of Public School Accountability at the Arkansas Department of Education, where she leads statewide efforts to support school performance and ensure meaningful use of data in decision-making. With a career spanning multiple leadership... Read More →

Wednesday July 15, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Horner Hall Hot Springs Convention Center

Operations

4:40pm CDT

District Team Debrief

Wednesday July 15, 2026 4:40pm - 5:40pm CDT

Horner Hall

School/District teams will have the opportunity to meet during this time and share what they learned.

Wednesday July 15, 2026 4:40pm - 5:40pm CDT
Horner Hall Hot Springs Convention Center

General

1:00pm CDT

4:40pm CDT

Get help with the event