Dr. Gearl Loden has been the superintendent of Nixa Public Schools since June 2018 and has been in education since 1991.

Dr. Loden was born and raised in Mantachie, Mississippi. Dr. Loden has a Ph.D. in Education Leadership from the University of Mississippi (Phi Kappa Phi-honors graduate), a Master of Business Administration from Western Governors University, a Masters in Education Leadership from the University of Mississippi (Phi Kappa Phi-honors graduate), and a Bachelors in Education from Delta State University (Pi Gamma Mu & Kappa Delta Pi-honors graduate). 

He leads the district and shares credit with his team for the academic performance and growth of over 6,700 students and the productivity of our 1,000-plus staff members in Nixa, Missouri.

Dr. Loden's leadership has led to the following accomplishments at Nixa:

• Nixa students and staff have been participating and recognized at the state, national, and international levels. 

• Nixa High School and Mathews Elementary have been awarded the Missouri Gold Star School and National Blue Ribbon awards.

• He has implemented Professional Learning Communities into Nixa Public Schools, which has been recognized as an International Model PLC school district.

• For three years in a row, U.S. News and World Report has recognized Nixa High School as the top high school in the Springfield metro area. 

• He successfully navigated the school district through the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Dr. Loden has ensured that the mental health of students and staff is a priority by working with local organizations to support them and their needs.

• To see the district's accomplishments during his time at Nixa Schools, click here. 

These successes, among countless others, were achieved with a per-pupil expenditure rate of roughly $3,000 less than the state average. He believes these achievements were brought about by the dedication of excellent teachers and staff and the support of parents, all wanting students to reach their potential. 

Before moving to Nixa, Dr. Loden served as superintendent at Tupelo Schools for six years. His education path was not an easy one. As a student, he struggled with not only speech, ADHD, and dyslexia but also with a loving mother fighting terminal cancer. Because of the educators in his life who were truly invested in his academic success and well-being, Dr. Loden believed that he could also be a successful college student and achieve his goal of becoming a teacher.

Dr. Loden and his wife, Monica, have two children. Trey is a Nixa and Mississippi State University graduate and educator, and Arthur is a student at Nixa High.