An interim commissioner takes over Wednesday at the Arkansas Department of Education.

Diana Julian, Ed.D. will fill the vacancy left by departing commissioner Dr. Ken James.

Julian has served the state as deputy commissioner of education since 2007 and, prior to that, as assistant commissioner for the division of learning services. The Arkansas State Board of Education made her appointment her as interim commissioner.

Dr. James announced late last month that he would resign effective June 30 to pursue a role in the private sector.

"The State Board of Education is pleased that Dr. Julian has agreed to serve as interim commissioner,” said Naccaman Williams, chair of the Arkansas State Board of Education and head of the search committee for the new commissioner. “I am confident that her experience and professionalism will provide continuity and stability for the state's public education system as we engage in the search for a permanent replacement for Ken James."

Julian’s career has always centered on education.  She was an elementary teacher for the Selma City (AL) School District, Jonesboro School District and Holcomb (MO) Public Schools.  She later became the principal of Holcomb Elementary School in Holcomb, Missouri.  In 1986, she began working for Bryant Public Schools.  During her time there she served as special education director, principal of Robert L. Davis Elementary School and finally as superintendent.  After a stint with the Arkansas Department of Education from 1994 to 1997 as deputy director under then-director Gene Wilhoit, Julian became superintendent of the Benton School District until she returned to ADE in 2005. She was named 2005 Arkansas Superintendent of the Year.

Julian received her doctorate in education from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville.  Earlier, she  received her master’s of science and bachelor’s of science in education and her educational specialist degree from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro.

Her civic and community activities include the Benton Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, Saline County Education Committee and the Arkansas Institute for Performance Excellence.  She is a member of the Pleasant Valley Church of Christ.

Julian is married to Terry Julian, retired principal of Dollarway High School in Pine Bluff.  They have two children.

The Arkansas Department of Education strives to ensure that all children in the state have access to a quality education by providing educators, administrators and staff with leadership, resources and training.