Eric Burnett has been named an Athletic Director for Springdale Public Schools.
“I am excited about starting this new chapter in my career,” Burnett said.
Burnett previously served with Springdale Schools for five years as the Springdale Har-Ber High School head boys basketball coach. He comes to Springdale from Northside High School in the Fort Smith School District.
The coach is a 1989 Northside High School graduate and has also served the Fort Smith district as a coach at Northside High School and Ramsey Junior High School.
Burnett led Northside to become state champions in 2017 and 2019. Coach Burnett has a 69% winning record compiling 380 wins with 263 losses over his coaching career.
As a student athlete, he was a three-year starter for Northside and went on to play basketball at Arkansas Tech University in Russellville. Burnett was a four-year starter at Arkansas Tech and was named a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics All-American in 1993 and was a two-time All-Arkansas Intercollegiate Conference selection.
This is the coach’s 30th year as an educator.
"We are thrilled to welcome Eric Burnett to the Athletic Department," said Keith Fimple, Springdale Schools Executive Athletic Director. "With his exceptional skills, passion for sports and dedication to fostering a culture of excellence, we look forward to his contributions to athletics in Springdale Public Schools."
Burnett has bachelor’s degree in physical education with a minor in health from Arkansas Tech University, a master’s in education administration from Harding University in Searcy and is certified to teach driver’s education.
“I am looking forward to building new relationships and bringing positive energy to the department,” Burnett said of becoming Springdale’s athletic director.
Dr. Jared Cleveland, Springdale Superintendent, said that Burnett was an amazing student-athlete and an amazing coach and will continue to enhance his leadership under Executive Athletic Director Keith Fimple.
"He is a remarkable leader and is excited to begin his new career in administration within our Springdale Family." Cleveland said.
Eric Burnett will join Chris Wood as Athletic Directors for the Springdale Schools Athletic Department.
Eric has two daughters, Tia Burnett, 25, and Malia Burnett, 16.
