College of Education alum appointed state manager of Floyd County Schools

FRANKFORT - A graduate from the University of Kentucky College of Education's Department of Administration and Supervision was named state manager for the Floyd County Schools District, according to a recent announcement by Kentucky Education Commissioner Gene Wilhoit.

Zella Wells, 52, took over duties of coordinating and supervising state management of Floyd County schools in July. Since 1994, she served as assistant superintendent of Johnson County Schools.

With an academic background in math and science, Wells earned her professional academic degrees from the College of Education, culminating in a doctorate from the college's administration and supervision department.

Since graduating from UK, Wells has built a distinguished 31-year career in education. Wells' resumè touches on nearly every facet of the education profession including 21 years as a math teacher at Johnson Central High School and adjunct professor at Morehead State University and Prestonsburg Community College. She has served as assistant high school principal, tennis coach and athletics director, student council sponsor and substitute bus driver.

In addition to these honors Wells also served as vice-chair of the Education Professional Standards Board, was a Kentucky distinguished educator and played a vital role in helping Johnson County win the Kentucky School Boards Association PEAK award in 2001.

Given Wells' background and success in Johnson County, Commissioner Wilhoit felt she would be the ideal manager to assist the Floyd County School District, which has been under state management since 1998. A state manager supervises all activities of department staff working with the district, oversees the local superintendent and school board and reports directly to the commissioner of education.

In comments regarding Wells' appointment, Commissioner Wilhoit described her as a "person of extraordinary talent, knowledge and energy...Zella Wells has excelled in virtually every area that has an impact on teaching and learning."

"I want the best for Floyd County," Wells said. "...There is no excuse for Floyd County's young people to have any less opportunity than other Kentucky children."