Superintendent

Dr. Don Coker took office as Superintendent of Ouachita Parish Schools in July 2015. Prior to that appointment, he served as Assistant Superintendent for four years, as well as Director of Personnel and Middle Schools for eight years, following seventeen years as Principal of Calhoun Middle School. Don is a graduate of Louisiana Tech University. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Health and Physical Education, a Master’s + 30 in Administration and Supervision, and his Doctoral Degree in Educational Leadership.

During his tenure with Ouachita Parish Schools, Dr. Coker has proven to be a gifted educational leader with the well-being of faculty and students—as well as the community—always in the forefront of his mind. Don continues to facilitate a professional team approach to achieving the mission and goals of the school system. Under his leadership, the district has garnered regional, statewide, and national recognition for best educational practices.

Dr. Coker has been repeatedly recognized as an Educator of Distinction through awards programs such as Principal of the Year. He is sought after to lend his expertise and extraordinary insight on leadership committees, and he volunteers on several boards, always looking to be of service to his community.

Married to his best friend and biggest supporter, Pat Richardson Coker, Don enjoys traveling and spending time with their growing family. Dr. and Mrs. Coker are members of New Chapel Hill Baptist Church, where Don serves as a Deacon and the Sunday School Director.