Former Webb City superintendent Lankford retiring from DESE post

(From the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education)

The Department has chosen Dr. Roger Dorson as deputy commissioner of the Division of Financial and Administrative Services. Dr. Dorson has worked for the Department for nine years, and will step into his new role on July 1. He will assume the duties of Dr. Ronald Lankford, who is retiring.

“With more than 30 years of experience in Missouri public schools, Roger is well respected across the state for his professionalism and deep understanding of school finance and governance,” said

Commissioner of Education Margie Vandeven. “We are proud that Roger accepted the call to continue helping Missouri public schools provide the best education for our children.”

Dr. Dorson began his education career as a social studies teacher in Macon, Mo. He then served as principal and superintendent in Princeton, Mo., and spent 18 years as superintendent of schools in Salisbury, Mo. His most recent role has been coordinator of school financial and administrative services for the Department.

Dr. Dorson earned his bachelor’s degree in education and master’s degree in secondary school administration at Northeast Missouri State University (now Truman State University) in Kirksville. He earned his doctorate in curriculum and instruction at the University of Missouri-Columbia.