Under the leadership of Dr. Adrienne Battle, the kids are more than alright.
As the first Black woman to serve as Superintendent of Metro Nashville Public Schools, Dr. Battle wears a crown that is both beautiful and weighty. For her, the role begins and ends with one priority: the students.
A native Nashvillian, Dr. Battle knows MNPS inside and out—from the perspective of both a student and an administrator. A graduate of John Overton High School, she realized early on that education was her calling. After rising through the ranks, she was unanimously voted Superintendent by the Board of Education in 2020.
“My desire to reach more young people is what really set me up for the administrative journey. When you’re in a classroom, you can only directly impact a certain number of students. But in administration, I have the opportunity to reach so many more.”
The significance of her position isn’t lost on her. As the first woman—and specifically the first Black woman—to lead MNPS, she carries this responsibility with deep intentionality.
“Serving in this capacity, I am the first, but I’m committed to not being the last. I’m not focused on how high I’ve climbed in this profession. What matters most is how many young women and MNPS graduates I can bring along with me—so they, too, have opportunities to serve in education and leadership. That is powerful.”
The passion exuding from Dr. Battle as she spoke to me about the importance of her role was tangible. The love, care, and commitment she has for the youth of Nashville was emphasized in every word she spoke. As a melanated woman in such an essential position, it was evident she is determined to serve as a catalyst to inspire the ones she serves.
We often hear that “it takes a village” to raise children. But even leaders like Dr. Battle need a village of their own. She recognizes the importance of leaning on her support system, a sentiment that particularly resonates with Black women, who are often expected to be everything for everyone.
“I also need a village, and I’m fortunate to have a very tight-knit family and a husband—who’s also an educator—who support me. They help me balance the many responsibilities I have as a mother, wife, and leader. That also allows me to carve out time for self-care.”
For Dr. Battle, that self-care includes jogging, going to the spa, reading, and traveling. “It’s difficult to pour into others when your cup is empty. Surrounding yourself with a village—both personally and professionally—allows you to be whole, so you can give your best as you serve.”
As a trailblazer herself, she draws inspiration from other groundbreaking women like Michelle Obama, Serena Williams, and her own mother, an entrepreneur. With Dr. Battle, the stats speak for themselves. A true servant leader, she was named the Professional Educators of Tennessee’s 2022 Superintendent of the Year, the Tennessee Principals Association’s 2021 Supervisor of the Year, and a recipient of the Nashville NAACP’s Legacy Award. In 2023, she was featured in the Nashville Post’s Most Powerful Women. But for her, the greatest achievement isn’t personal recognition—it’s the strides made by MNPS students every day.
Under her leadership, MNPS has earned a Level 5 growth score from the Tennessee Value-Added Assessment System (TVAAS)—the highest possible rating—three years in a row. These milestones, among many others, are a true source of pride for Dr. Battle.
“My life’s work has been to serve every student, regardless of their background, socioeconomic status, or native language. I want our system to meet the unique needs of all our students and ensure they’re on a guaranteed path to success. So I’m proud of everything.”
That pride is rooted in the students themselves—their achievements, their growth, and their futures. With every milestone MNPS reaches, Dr. Battle remains focused on what truly matters: making sure every student feels empowered to chase their dreams.
“I want our students to know that they deserve to be known. They deserve to be valued. They deserve to be supported. And, quite frankly, they deserve to have every college and career path at their disposal, based on their own unique talents and aspirations for the future. They deserve that.”
For Dr. Battle, leadership is about more than just academic excellence—it’s about purpose, service, and impact. “What matters is understanding your purpose. I know my purpose is to serve and to help others navigate toward their most ideal space—so they can thrive. With happiness and joy, I serve the Nashville community every day.”
Through her unwavering dedication, Dr. Battle continues to shape a school system where every student is seen, valued, and given the opportunity to succeed—laying the foundation for a brighter future, one student at a time.
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Great article Urbaanite. Another one knocked out of the park!