New CEO named for eStem Charter Schools

Little Rock, Arkansas – Nicholas Patterson will take over as CEO of eStem Public Charter Schools, the company said on Friday.

According to a statement from eStem, Patterson is a seasoned nonprofit leader with 15 years of experience in education reform and was born and raised in Little Rock.

“Nick’s educational career began in 2006 with his work in Memphis where he helped improve educational outcomes for students,” eStem Board President Vernard Henley said. “We are excited to welcome Nick to eStem and look forward to his leadership in guiding eStem to continued success. We appreciate the guidance of the K12 Search Group throughout the new CEO search process.”

Patterson was most recently the Arkansas Academy for Educational Equity’s (AAEE) executive director.

To enhance educational justice in underprivileged areas, he oversaw a collaboration of sixteen rural school districts in Arkansas in this capacity.

Before joining AAEE, Patterson was employed as the executive director of Memphis Scholars, a company that managed the city’s three turnaround charter schools.

New Leaders is a nonprofit that trains principals for urban school systems; this is where his career started. Within the company, Patterson held the positions of national director of admissions, national director for metrics, and director of recruitment, admissions, and operations.

Patterson earned a political science undergraduate degree from Rhodes College. He graduated from the University of Memphis School of Urban Affairs and Public Policy with a Master of Public Administration, and in 2025, he plans to finish his Doctorate in Education at the University of Arkansas.

“I am honored to be chosen to lead eStem Public Charter Schools at this exciting time in its history,” Patterson said. “Since opening in 2008, eStem has led the way in educational innovation in Arkansas. I can’t wait to get started collaborating with eStem educators and students.”

“We are confident that Nick will serve eStem with energy, tenacity, and passion to bring outstanding educational opportunities to all children in central Arkansas,” said eStem Board Member Jess Askew.