College of Education News

Greenwood Laboratory School appoints new director

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A familiar face to Springfield Public Schools (SPS) students and families is the new leader of Greenwood Laboratory School.

Dr. Ronald Snodgrass, an educator with more than 30 years of experience, will assume the role of director June 1. Snodgrass has served as interim director since July 2021.

“I’m humbled and honored to be named the new director of Greenwood,” Snodgrass said. “Greenwood has a family atmosphere and is a special and unique place.

“Greenwood’s reputation of academic excellence will be of the utmost importance to maintain in the future. I look forward to working with the outstanding faculty currently in place to move the school to new heights and provide the best learning opportunities for our students.”

Educator brings teaching and administrative experience to the role

Dr. Ronald Snodgrass

Snodgrass first came to work at Greenwood as the assistant director in August 2015. Prior to that, he was a teacher and administrator with SPS for 29 years, a tenure that included stops as an assistant principal at Jarrett Middle School and Hillcrest High School.

He also served as a principal for 14 years at Central High School, and Pleasant View Elementary and Middle Schools.

Under his leadership at Pleasant View, the school earned several awards, including:

  • Accomplished School Award.
  • Gold Star nominee.
  • Top 10 Highest Performing School.
  • Top 10 Most Improved in Communications Arts.

During his tenure at Central High School, the school earned silver and gold medals from U.S. News & World Report, and Snodgrass was named an Outstanding Administrator-Counselor Advocate.

Dr. Barri Tinkler, dean of the Missouri State University College of Education, said she’s glad Snodgrass is continuing the work he started a year ago.

“Ron brings a wealth of school leadership experience to this role,” Tinkler said. “He’s been an excellent interim director this past year and we’re lucky to have him continuing as the director.”

Snodgrass completed his bachelor’s, master’s and educational specialist degrees at Missouri State. He completed his doctoral degree in educational leadership and policy analysis at the University of Missouri.

Missouri State names new dean for College of Education

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Dr. Barri Tinkler will become the permanent dean of Missouri State University’s College of Education on March 1. Tinkler has been the interim dean since January 2021.

“Dr. Tinkler has a strong academic and administrative record,” said MSU Provost Frank Einhellig. “Over the past year, she has helped the College of Education envision the future of teacher education.”

Tinkler joined Missouri State as associate dean of the College of Education and professor of education in August 2019. She also served as the interim department head of counseling, leadership and special education from May-December 2020.

“I am excited for the opportunity to continue to work with the superb faculty, dedicated staff and amazing students in the College of Education,” Tinkler said.

“The College of Education has an important legacy within the university and across the state. That legacy continues today through the commitment of faculty to prepare professionals who make significant contributions to communities across our region.”

Tinkler’s academic background

Tinkler served in several administrative roles at the University of Vermont from 2009-19. She was:

  • The CAEP (Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation) coordinator.
  • Program coordinator for the doctorate in educational leadership and policy studies.
  • Department of education vice chair.
  • Secondary social studies coordinator.

Tinkler also worked at Shepherd University from 2005-2009 and Towson University from 2004-2005.

She was a Fulbright Scholar at the University of Calgary in 2018.

Tinkler is an author of several dozen peer-reviewed articles, book chapters and books. She’s also presented dozens of times at national and international conferences.

Tinkler earned a bachelor’s degree in history education from Northeastern State University, a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Oklahoma State University, and a doctorate in curriculum and instruction from the University of Denver.