Anderson retires after 43 Year education career

Kathy Anderson, Talihina Elementary Principal is ready to begin a new adventure as she closes the door on an educational career that has spanned 43 years, nine of which have been as a Golden Tiger in the Talihina Public School District as she is retiring at the end of January.

During Ms. Anderson’s educational career she has served in the capacity of Superintendent, Principal, Athletic Director, Coach, Math Instructor, Grant Writer, Director of Indian Education and Educational Consultant.

Ms. Anderson is a 1977 graduate of Stringtown Public Schools. She received her BS in Education from SOSU in Durant where she also played collegiate volleyball. She received her Masters in Educational Administration, Mid Management and Principal’s Certification from Texas A & M, and Superintendent’s Certification from the University of Texas. She also completed 2 years as a Doctoral Student in Educational Leadership at Oklahoma State University.

Ms. Anderson also received several accolades during her educational career. She was named the Texas 1996 District 16AAAA Volleyball Coach of the year, Recognition for her 200th Varsity Volleyball win, 2006 McAlester Public School Administrator of the Year by the late Dr. Lucy Smith, and most recently the 2022-2023 Kiamichi Valley Leader of the Year.

During her six years as Talihina Elementary Principal, Anderson was known for implementing innovative programs and projects for her students.

Ms. Anderson implemented the Reading Renaissance STAR Reading and Math program, Perfect Attendance Incentive Program, Rise and Shine Student Assembly, Fall Harvest Coronation and Student Advisory Team. Ms Anderson also developed and coordinated the Classroom Excursion Project with the late Mr. Darrell Sorrells, Director of the Choctaw Nation Boys and Girls Club.

Under Ms. Anderson’s tutelage Talihina Elementary School was named one of the top five Outstanding Oklahoma Elementary Schools by the Oklahoma Foundation of Excellence.

Ms. Anderson plans to enjoy her retirement at Daisy where she is the owner/operator of Anderson Farms a cow/calf cattle operation.

Ms. Anderson commented that while she truly loved her years in education she was excited about beginning the next chapter of her life.

Kathy is the granddaughter of Alice Billy Bacon a full blood original enrollee, and Bethel Anderson, 5/8 Choctaw. She is the great-granddaughter of Crawford Anderson, and the great-great granddaughter of Captain John Anderson of Tuskahoma. She is the daughter of Ruthie (Bacon) Anderson ½ Choctaw and the late Kenneth Anderson 3/8 Choctaw.