District Leadership
Dr. Kellen Adams - School Superintendent
Dr. Kellen Adams serves as Superintendent of Piper Unified School District 203, bringing more than two decades of educational leadership and a passion for student success, strategic innovation, and community engagement. He officially joined Piper on July 1, 2026.
Before coming to Piper, Dr. Adams served as Superintendent of Leavenworth USD 453, where he led a district of approximately 3,300 students and 550 staff members. His leadership emphasized accountability, transparent communication, strategic planning, and operational excellence. Prior to Leavenworth, he served as Superintendent of Chanute USD 413, leading districtwide initiatives and capital improvement projects. His career also includes experience as an assistant superintendent, principal, and classroom teacher, providing him with a comprehensive understanding of PreK–12 education.
A respected leader across Kansas, Dr. Adams has twice been nominated for Kansas Superintendent of the Year and is actively involved in numerous professional organizations, including the Kansas School Superintendents' Association, Kansas Association of School Business Officials, Kansas State High School Activities Association, American Association of School Administrators, and United School Administrators of Kansas. He also serves as a Professor of Practice in Educational Leadership at Kansas State University, mentoring future school leaders and teaching graduate-level courses.
Dr. Adams is committed to fostering strong relationships with students, staff, families, and community partners while advancing Piper's mission of preparing every student to be #FutureReady. He believes that collaboration, innovation, and a student-centered approach are the foundation for creating exceptional opportunities and a thriving school community.
Dr. John Nguyen - Assistant School Superintendent
Dr. John Nguyen currently serves as Assistant Superintendent of the Piper School District. Prior to stepping into this role, he previously served as a language arts teacher at Piper Middle School for eight years, assistant principal at Piper High School for two years, and principal of Piper High School for five years. He is passionate about serving staff members, administrators, and the entire district to create environments where all students can learn, succeed, and become who they were meant to be.
In 2023, Dr. Nguyen earned his doctorate from Baker University.
