The Union Public School District has announced Jerica Hickmon Thames, an alumnus of UHS, will be named the next Principal of Union Middle School, pending final board approval in June.
She is expected to succeed Nick Smith who is leaving the district to join the Newton County School District. If approved, Thames will officially take over on July 1, but a school district press release stated she will work with Smith over the next month and a half to facilitate a smooth transition in leadership at UMS.
Thames has served as a district-wide assistant principal and the Director of Alternative and Innovative Programs. In the assistant principal role, she has experience working with students, staff, parents from across the district. As Director of Alternative and Innovative Programs, she has helped spearhead the district’s drop-out prevention strategies that yielded a graduation rate of 95.71% last year. This was a Top 10 rating in the state. Prior to these roles, Thames taught special education at Union Middle School and served as Program Director for the district’s 21st Century Learning Center After School Program.
Mrs. Thames holds a bachelor’s degree from Mississippi State University and a master’s degree from William Carey University. She earned her education leadership endorsement and an educational specialist degree from William Carey University, as well. She has participated in the L.E.A.D Principal Training, the EMCED Legal Summit, and is trained in the Mississippi Department of Education’s Professional Growth System.
Dr. Tyler Hansford, Supt. of UPSD said of Thames’ selection: “Mrs. Thames has earned the opportunity to lead UMS. She has done everything we’ve asked her to do to prepare to fill a role like this. In the principalship, flexibility is key. Mrs. Thames has worn a lot of hats. She is prepared for this.” Mr. Wayne McDill, incoming Interim Supt. of UPSD said of Thames’ selection: “When all the cards were laid on the table, it was clear that Mrs. Thames was the best choice to lead UMS into the next phase. We are confident she will do a great job for the students, teachers, and community.”
Thames shared regarding her appointment: “I am excited for the opportunity to lead UMS. The teachers at UMS work so hard to ensure all students are successful academically and behaviorally. I am excited to be shoulder to shoulder with them each day in that work. As a native of Union, I understand our school district is the heart of the community. We will continue the tradition of striving for excellence because that’s what our students, staff, and community deserve and expect. It’s a great day to be a Yellow Jacket!”
On Monday, Smith was announced as the new principal at Newton County Middle and High School by the school district.
