DoDEA

ARLINGTON, VA — April 15, 2010 — Pentagon officials announced today the selection of Dr. Bruce Jeter as the Area Director for the Department of Defense Education Activity’s Schools in the United States. The selection was made through a competitive process. Dr. Jeter has been the Acting Director since July 2009.
As the Director for DoDEA schools in the United States, Dr. Jeter will oversee the operations of 63 schools located on 16 military installations in the United States, Puerto Rico, and Cuba. Headquartered in Peachtree City, Ga., DoDEA schools in the United States are structured into 5 districts and employ more than 4,000 people. Nearly 26,000 students attend DoDEA schools in the United States.
Dr. Jeter joined DoDEA in 1992 as an assistant principal at Irwin Middle School, Fort Bragg, N.C. He then served as principal at Holbrook Elementary School, Murray Elementary School and Albritton Jr. High School, all located at Fort Bragg. In 1998, Dr. Jeter became the assistant superintendent of the Antilles Consolidated School System (ACSS) located at Fort Buchanan, Puerto Rico. He later served as acting superintendent. In November of 2000, Dr. Jeter was named the superintendent of DoDEA schools in Korea. He served schools in Seoul, Osan, Camp Humphreys, Taegu, Pusan, and Chinhae.
Dr. Jeter has also served as Superintendent of Schools for DoDEA Schools in New York, Virginia, Puerto Rico and Cuba. He also served as the Deputy Director for DoDEA Schools in the United States prior to assuming his duties as Acting Director.
Dr. Shirley A. Miles, DoDEA Director, cited Dr. Jeter’s experience as an educator and as a military family member as valuable strengths he will bring to DoDEA schools in the United States.
“Dr. Jeter has served in nearly every level of the DoDEA school system,” she said. “He is focused on students and their achievement and he is aware of the unique challenges they face as they move from one duty station to another. He is a dedicated, concerned, and caring administrator and leader. Our schools in the United States will benefit immensely from his contributions.”
Communication at all levels in DoDEA schools in the United States will be one of Dr. Jeter’s top priorities.
“I’m honored to serve as the Director of DoDEA Schools in the United States,” said Dr. Jeter. “It’s a privilege to be able to have an impact on the education of the children of military families,” he added. “One of my first priorities will be to ensure open lines of communication are in place at all levels throughout our schools as we strive to deliver the best possible educational environment for our students and their families.”
Dr. Jeter grew up in a military environment. Born at Fort Riley, Kan., he is the youngest of five children. His father was a career enlisted soldier in the U.S. Army, serving in World War II, the Korean War, and in Vietnam. Dr. Jeter traveled with his family until they settled in Fayetteville, N.C. when his father retired from nearby Fort Bragg.
He graduated from 71st Senior High School in Fayetteville, N.C., and went on to receive his Bachelor of Science degree from Pembroke State University in Pembroke, N.C., with a major in health and physical education. He received his Masters of Education degree in physical education and administration from Campbell University, in Buies Creek, N.C. He has also been awarded a Certificate of Advanced Study in physical education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. In 1991, he returned to Campbell University to receive his Doctorate in Education in Administration.
Dr. Jeter also graduated from the Principal’s Executive Program offered through the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He received the Jack McCall Award during graduation ceremonies. The Jack McCall Award is given to the person who is recognized by their peers for possessing outstanding leadership skills.
Prior to joining DoDEA, Dr. Jeter began his teaching career as a health and physical education teacher and coach in 1979 at Westover Jr. High School in Fayetteville, N.C. Since that time Dr. Jeter has served as a health and physical education teacher in grades kindergarten through twelve. He has taught both math and science at the junior high level. Dr. Jeter also coached at the junior and senior high school level. He went on to enter school administration as a Healthful Living Consultant for the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. He later served as a Lead Instructional Specialist for the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.
Dr. Jeter is married to the former Linda Phillips of Spring Lake, N.C. They have two children, Lindsay Marie, a 5th Grade Teacher at Rockfish Elementary in Hope Mille, N.C., and Jamison Thomas, a college student at East Carolina University in Greenville, N.C. Jamison will enter the Navy in the spring.