Leading the Future: UWG Alumna Named Superintendent of Carroll County SchoolsShare this page
University of West Georgia alumna Dr. Jessica M. Ainsworth ’06 ’16 has been named superintendent of Carroll County Schools.
The Carroll County Board of Education announced Ainsworth’s appointment this spring, citing her leadership and commitment to the district’s mission of ensuring every student graduates enrolled, employed, enlisted and engaged. She succeeds longtime Superintendent Scott Cowart, who is retiring after 16 years of service.
Ainsworth most recently served as associate superintendent of school performance, overseeing operational and academic priorities. During her tenure, she contributed to a 97 percent graduation rate, advanced strategic initiatives to accelerate student achievement and expanded access to college-level experiences through innovative programming. She also supported oversight of more than $242 million in district budgets and led major funding initiatives exceeding $50 million.
Her leadership helped earn the district national recognition, including a 2025 Cognia System of Distinction honor and 100 percent National STEM Certification across all campuses.
Ainsworth’s 23-year career in education began as a special education teacher and includes experience as an assistant principal, principal and district administrator. She joined Carroll County Schools’ central leadership team in 2019 and was named associate superintendent in 2024. She was recognized as the 2015 National Assistant Principal of the Year.
Her academic journey is closely tied to UWG, where she earned her master’s degree in special education and Doctor of Education degree in school improvement, along with leadership certifications.
“As a young person, I found my purpose as a positive path-changer for others,” Ainsworth said. “Education is the career that prepares all others, and UWG prepared me to be a difference maker at every stage of my career.”
Ainsworth remains actively engaged with UWG, including serving on the Alumni Association Board of Directors.
“I see the alumni board as a way to connect K-12 education with the larger story of education from cradle to career,” she said. “Carroll County’s strength is a seamless system that begins early and continues through high school, dual enrollment and hands-on learning experiences.”
“Dr. Jessica Ainsworth exemplifies the very best of what it means to be an alumna of our university,” said Kate Petty ’09, director of alumni engagement at UWG. “Her commitment to students, leadership and community makes her exceptionally well-suited for this role.”
Ainsworth also emphasized UWG’s partnership with Carroll County Schools.
“UWG is a signature partner because we share students, initiatives and goals,” she said. “We are on the same team, serving our community.”
She pointed to expanded dual enrollment opportunities through initiatives like “Go West Early,” which provide students access to advanced pathways, enrichment experiences and personalized college guidance.
“I see continued opportunities to grow that connection for the benefit of students and families,” Ainsworth said.
Ainsworth will assume the role in June 2026, continuing her service to a district that educates more than 16,000 students and is recognized for its commitment to innovation and student success.