ACTE Announces Mississippi Retired CTE Director as National Award Finalist
ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Rex Buckhaults, Retired CTE Director at Jones County Career & Technical Center in Laurel, MS as the 2026 ACTE Region IV Lifetime Achievement and Hall of Fame Award Recipient. This award recognizes the finest career and technical education (CTE) educators at the middle/secondary school level who have demonstrated innovation in the classroom, commitment to their students and dedication to the improvement of CTE in their institutions and communities.
Rex Buckhaults has built a distinguished career dedicated to advancing high-quality Career and Technical Education (CTE) and ensuring student success. Recognized nationally and regionally for his leadership, including being named the 2019 ACTE Region IV Administrator of the Year and a 2020 ACTE National Finalist. Buckhaults has served in influential roles such as President of MS ACTE (2017–19), MS ACTE Member of the Year (2018–19), and a member of the ACTE Audit Committee, Region IV Policy Committee, and multiple advisory boards for the Mississippi State Department of Career and Technical Education.
His leadership philosophy is rooted in the belief that student success comes from programs that are both academically rigorous and aligned with real-world workforce demands. Buckhaults has been instrumental in developing CTE curricula that integrate academic knowledge with technical skills, preparing students for both postsecondary education and high-demand careers.
A cornerstone of his work has been building strong partnerships with business, industry, and community stakeholders. These collaborations have created valuable work-based learning opportunities, internships, and apprenticeships that give students hands-on experiences and practical skills directly applicable in the workforce. At the state level, Buckhaults has worked with policymakers to secure funding, launch statewide initiatives, and implement best practices that elevate CTE across Mississippi.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Buckhaults has demonstrated resilience and community leadership, guiding Perry County Schools’ recovery after Hurricane Katrina, supporting FFA programs, serving on the Jones County School Board, and contributing to numerous agricultural and civic initiatives. Under his leadership, CTE centers have seen improved graduation rates, increased postsecondary enrollment, and strong job placement outcomes.
Through visionary leadership, strategic partnerships, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Rex Buckhaults has left a lasting impact on the CTE landscape in Mississippi and beyond—benefiting countless students, educators, and communities.
Buckhaults is one of five finalists for the 2026 national title. The national winner will be announced at the ACTE Awards Gala, an award presentation recognizing the best CTE educators in the country. The event will take place on December 9, at 7:00 p.m. The Awards Gala is sponsored by Goodheart-Willcox, The Army, and Stratasys. For more information about the ACTE Excellence Awards, visit our webpage.
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About ACTE
The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) is the nation’s largest not-for-profit association committed to the advancement of education that prepares youth and adults for successful careers. ACTE represents the community of CTE professionals, including educators, administrators, researchers, school counselors, guidance and career development professionals and others at all levels of education. ACTE is committed to excellence in providing advocacy, public awareness and access to resources, professional development and leadership opportunities.
