Aspen is a place for leaders to lift their sights above the possessions which possess them. To confront their own nature as human beings, to regain control over their own humanity by becoming more self-aware, more self-correcting, and hence more self-fulfilling.
Dr. Adrienne Battle has served as Superintendent of Nashville Public Schools since 2019, making history as the first woman and first MNPS graduate to lead Tennessee’s second-largest school district. Under her leadership, the district has achieved historic outcomes, including four consecutive years of Level 5 TVAAS growth – the highest possible growth rating in the state – as well as the highest graduation rate in district history and numerous national recognitions. Dr. Battle received the 2026 Excellence in Family Engagement Award from AASA, The School Superintendents Association, and the National PTA. In 2025, Nashville Public Schools was designated a NABSE Demonstration District and won a Midsouth Emmy, and Dr. Battle received the Save the Music Foundation Administrator Award, the ATHENA Award from Nashville Cable, and the TSSAA A.F. Bridges Award for School System Administrator of the Year. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee presented Dr. Battle the CEO Roundtable Series Changemaker Award in 2024. She was named the Professional Educators of Tennessee’s 2022 Superintendent of the Year and was featured in the Nashville Post’s Most Powerful Women in 2023. In 2021, she was named the Tennessee Principals Association’s Supervisor of the Year and received the Nashville NAACP’s Legacy Award. She is a member of Chiefs for Change and the Aspen Superintendent Network. Dr. Battle’s tenure reflects a relentless commitment to ensuring that every student is known, supported, and prepared for success in college, career, and life.
