Arkansas News Bureau

LITTLE ROCK — Diane Julian, deputy state education commissioner since 2007, becomes interim director of the state Department of Education on Wednesday.

The state Board of Education appointed Julian to lead the department on an interim basis with the departure of Education Commissioner Ken James, whose resignation after five years in the job was effective Tuesday.

“The State Board of Education is pleased that Dr. Julian has agreed to serve as interim commissioner,” said Naccaman Williams, state board chairman and head of the search
committee for the new commissioner. “I am confident that her experience and professionalism will provide continuity and stability for the state’s public education system as we engage in the search for a permanent replacement for Ken James.”

Prior to being named deputy commissioner two years ago, Julian was assistant commissioner for the division of learning services.

She has been an elementary teacher and principal, and served as school superintendent at Bryant and Benton. She worked for the Education Department from 1994 to 1997 and return to the department in 2005.