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Chris Chism

  • Hometown

    Pearl, MS (South)

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  • Quick Intro

    Chris Chism earned a bachelor's from Mississippi State University and a master's in educational leadership (Principal Corps) from the University of Mississippi. In 2020, he was recognized as a SOE Practitioner of Distinction. Chris joined the SOE Board of Advisors in Fall 2024.
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Meet Chris Chism

With a dynamic career in educational leadership spanning 28 years, Chris Chism stands as a transformative figure in the Pearl Public School District. As a Mississippi State University alumnus with a deep expertise in educational technology and data-driven instruction, Chris has carved a niche in educational excellence. His commitment to data utilization, systems analysis, and artificial intelligence in education is evident in his speaking engagements, where he has delivered over 135 presentations state-wide, influencing policies and practices that encompass classroom instruction, leadership, systemic change, and best practices for leaders.

In his role as Superintendent, Chris's visionary leadership is reflected in the accolades and recognitions bestowed upon him and the institutions he leads. Notably, he was twice honored as Administrator of the Year by the Pearl Public School District and recognized as a Practitioner of Distinction by the University of Mississippi School of Education. His innovative approach to education has not only resulted in Pearl High School's significant improvement in graduation rates but also in achieving one of the highest rates in the state, especially for special education students. Pearl has been ranked as an “A” district in the three years he has been at the helm.

Chris’s influence extends to his work with Mississippi Professional Educators and his active role as a board member and Mississippi Professional Educators Past President, shaping educational policy and administration. He has also served as President of Pearl Kiwanis and still serves as Past President and board member. His dedication to academic, athletic, and fine arts excellence is highlighted by Pearl High School's 43 state championships under his 7-year tenure, all while maintaining a strong academic record as demonstrated by the numerous “Scholar Athletic Teams” recognitions.

Chris has been a pivotal leader in community service, spearheading record-setting food drives and supporting the elderly through initiatives like “Team Up to Clean Up” during the pandemic. His professional journey has been marked by notable awards, including the induction into the East Mississippi Community College Athletics Hall of Fame, and being celebrated as an Administrator of the Year by the Mississippi Association of Colleges of Teacher Education.

More recently, Chris has traveled all over the southeast and to Washington D.C. to lend his expertise on artificial intelligence to many different groups. Since last November, he has given over 100 presentations on AI and its use within both the educational setting and many other fields as well. This includes 37 schools and school districts. More recently, Chris presented to the Joint Task Force on AI at the Mississippi Capitol, and he has been on the radio and television discussing practical uses of this new technology.

Meet Chris Chism

What led you to want to serve on the School of Education Board of Advisors?

It is always a pleasure to work with the school that gave me the start to my career as an administrator. This is a way that I can give back to a group of professors and an institution that has given me so much over the years. Their guidance and help does not stop after graduation.

Why did you choose to attend UM and the School of Education?

For me, it was the Principal Corps. This was, and still is, a fabulous program. The internship portion of Principal Corps is a wonderful experience that shapes us all as educators.

Tell us about your favorite professor(s) at the School of Education? How did they make a positive impact on your professional and personal pursuits?

First, Dr. Susan McClelland is the one that pushed me to enter the program. We hosted an intern, and I got to know her over that year as she visited the school. Even after graduation, she has always been a person I could call for advice and a listening ear when it was needed.

Second is Dr. Dennis Bunch. He taught me more than you can possibly imagine. We both enjoy statistics, and he taught me many ways to actually use statistics in my job. This opened up an entire world of opportunity to speak and share this information with others. He also instilled a sense of pride in making sure that we do things right. The attention to detail that was required in his class is something I use in my current role daily.

Tell us about your proudest moment in education.

There are so many. However, I think the one that stands out the most was during the COVID year here. We had a very different graduation ceremony. It was individualized for our kids and families. At the end of the 8 hours, I walked into the commons of the high school to hear raised voices. One of my students was refusing to leave the building. What I didn't know is he was refusing to leave until he saw me personally to thank me and hug my neck. You see, he was a special education student - one that we truly thought would never make it out with a diploma. We never gave up on him, and he never gave up on himself. Someone standing there caught a picture of this hug, and it stands in my office to this day as a reminder of our tremendous responsibility and influence. He also returned a week later to give me a picture of him in his cap and gown. That also sits on a shelf in my office.

Do you have any advice for our current students?

This profession is not all unicorns and rainbows. There is going to be heartache and tough times. However, there is nothing like seeing your students succeed and thrive in life. No other job gives you this satisfaction. Every second you spend is worth it to someone else. You may not see it right way, but those days will come. Control the controllable things in your job and in your life and always push to be better.