Amanda Tullos
Preparing Mississippi students for life after graduation takes much more than coursework—it requires strong partnerships, shared leadership and a clear statewide vision. As part of ɫƵ’s Research and Curriculum Unit, Program Manager Amanda Tullos helps advance that vision by aligning K–12 education with workforce needs across the state.
Working with the Mississippi Department of Education, the RCU leads efforts to develop and implement Mississippi’s K-12 workforce development plan. Tullos connects school districts with business and industry partners and collaborates with state workforce agencies to ensure students gain the skills and experiences needed to pursue meaningful career pathways.
She brings a broad perspective to the role, shaped by experience as a K-12 classroom teacher, interventionist, school and district administrator, and as a leader at the university and state levels. She is especially proud of her time at MSU, where she has served as director of the Partnership Middle School, education liaison for the Office of Research and Economic Development and leader of the Mississippi Education Policy Fellowship Program.
“These roles challenged me to grow personally and professionally, listen more and bring systems and people together,” she said.
The experiences continue to shape her approach to workforce development.
“There is no one-size-fits-all approach,” Tullos said. “The voices of students, educators, families and communities must guide the work.”
Across Mississippi, Tullos is helping to build a framework designed to connect schools, industry, government and communities in meaningful workforce preparation.
“This effort is created by the people and for the people it serves,” she said. “When stakeholders are engaged and aligned, the impact is sustainable.”
Through her leadership at the RCU, Tullos is helping Mississippi students connect education to opportunity.
“All students and educators in Mississippi’s public school system are served through this work,” she said. “It helps inspire dreams, clarify pathways and strengthen communities.”