A mean wearing a suit stands in front of a building.

Danny Adkins, Woodford County’s new superintendent, stands in front of the Floyd County Board of Education. Adkins, who previously served as Floyd County superintendent, said he became an educator to give students hope and opportunity.
Submitted photo

Editor’s Note: This is the second of a series of stories Kentucky Teacher is running about new superintendents for the 2021-2022 school year.

By Shelby Stills
shelby.stills@education.ky.gov

On July 1, Danny Adkins will start his new job as superintendent in Woodford County. He will succeed Scott Hawkins, who is retiring at the end of June after 13 years. Adkins has served as Floyd County superintendent since 2018.

Adkins has been an educator for more than 25 years and has served in various roles, including bus driver, coach and teacher before moving into an administrative role. He began his teaching career at Millard School (Pike County) and taught middle and high school science for nearly 20 years. In 2014, he became principal of Kimper Elementary School (Pike County).

Being from Eastern Kentucky, Adkins understands the effects poverty can have on students.

“Being an educator means providing opportunities and hope,” he said.

Adkins said he is grateful for the opportunity to lead the Woodford County schools and is excited to get to work. His primary goal this year is to help students get back on track after the COVID-19 pandemic.

“These kids have been out of school for a year and a half, let’s help them fall back in love with school. If we can do that, we can help them get back on track and help fill the void and cracks that have been created by the pandemic,” he said.

As for his education philosophy, Adkins stressed the importance of career readiness. Whether that leads to college, trade school or an internship, Adkins said, “I want my students to be able to define their own success.”

Adkins received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Morehead State University. He achieved his Rank I certification through Union College in Barbourville and his School Superintendent Certification at the University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg.

Outside of school, he said he enjoys spending time on the water, traveling and attending sporting events with his wife, Cindy, and two kids, Emily and Joshua.