breedloveLynette Breedlove, a gifted and talented educator from Texas, has been named new director of the Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky at Western Kentucky University.

Breedlove, who will start at the end of July, will succeed Tim Gott, the academy’s first director. Gott will retire June 30.

“The Gatton Academy is a remarkable place for bright and gifted high school students to thrive and pursue their areas of passion,” Breedlove said. “The academy is a clear demonstration of Kentucky legislators’ commitment to the education of high ability students and to the state’s future. I am honored to lead the Academy as it continues to develop and serve exceptional students of Kentucky.”

Breedlove is with the Spring Branch Independent school district in Houston, Texas, where she has been the Director of Advanced Academic Studies since 2005. In 2011, she became the Director of Advanced Academic Studies and Secondary Counseling.

Prior to Spring Branch, she was the coordinator of the Gifted and Talented Program at the Fort Bend Independent school district in Sugar Land, Texas.

Breedlove has been active in state and national professional organizations and is treasurer of The Association for the Gifted – Council for Exceptional Children and Education Committee Chair of the National Association for the Gifted.

WKU President Gary Ransdell said he is delighted Breedlove has accepted the appointment.

“We are very proud of what the Gatton Academy has achieved through its students, faculty and leadership,” he said. “We look forward to Lynette’s leadership as we seek new and bolder dimensions for the Gatton Academy.”