Faculty

Recent Additions / Promotions

The University School of Jackson welcomed several new faculty and staff members to campus this fall. Each new employee was chosen for a unique set of skills that enhance the educational experience that USJ is able to provide. If you see a new face, please say hello and welcome them to campus.

In addition to new Bruin family members, USJ is also celebrating faculty and staff that received promotions and are now serving students in a new capacity.

Gabye Atkins Jr. Cubs Assistant

Joel Ayers Girls Head Basketball Coach / Economics Teacher

Ashley Ayers Girls Assistant Basketball Coach / Physical Education Instructor

Allison Badgett Business Office

Jody Bell Jr. K Assistant

Carrie Cates Cubs Assistant

Jamie Creech 5th Grade Teacher Hannah Gregory 1st Grade Teacher

Leah Hackett Upper School Art Teacher

Camille Ivie Kindergarten Assistant

Brittany Jones Infants Teacher

Jeffrey Jones Boys Head Basketball Coach / MS Strength & Conditioning

Sarah Jones Lower School Guidance

Meredith Masterson Cubs Assistant Mallory Parker 3rd Grade Teacher

Loretta Reasons 3rd Grade Teacher

Angela Smith Business Office

Jamye Spencer Cubs Teacher

Brian Stephenson Facilities

Victoria Subia Middle School Spanish Teacher

Jill Wyatt 1st Grade Teacher

New Lower School Director Cynthia Kirsch

After a nationwide search and competitive interview process, USJ has selected Cynthia Kirsch as the new Director of School for the Lower School.

“I am thrilled to be part of the leadership team at the University School of Jackson,” said Kirsch. “My philosophy of education is founded upon my belief that every child can achieve success. I foster a challenging and diverse educational environment where students are encouraged to be creative, responsible, and passionate about learning. I look forward to supporting the students and faculty at USJ as they grow as lifelong learners.”

Cynthia spent more than 17 years at Prince of Peace in Plano, Texas, serving in a variety of leadership roles including teacher, language therapist, curriculum director, and principal. She retired from her role as the Assistant Head of School at Beth Yeshurun Day School. Unable to step away from her passion for education, she spent her time refocusing her attention on classroom instruction and offering comprehensive social/emotional guidance at a Houston, Texas, therapeutic school.

She received her Bachelor of Arts in Speech and Communications from the University of Denver. She attained her Master of Arts in School Leadership and Administration from the University of Dallas.

Martha Sheffield Joins USJ Administrative Staff

Martha Sheffield has accepted a full-time position as Assistant to the Athletic Director and Alumni Relations Coordinator. In addition to her new roles, Martha will continue to serve as Head Volleyball Coach for the Lady Bruins.

“I am a firm believer in surrounding yourself with quality people, and Coach Sheffield has proven to be an outstanding asset to our athletics program since she joined us in 2019. We are pleased to bring her on full-time with the addition of these new positions where she can better meet the needs of our student-athletes and work to advance the mission of USJ,” said Head of School Don Roe. With her previous employer, Martha served as the Assistant Athletic Director and Director of College Placement and has more than a decade of experience managing teams and athletics communications.

“I look forward to serving the USJ community through my work with the athletics program and alumni relations,” shared Sheffield. “I have always loved coordinating with coaches and families and this position will allow me to be more directly involved with the day-to-day planning and operations. Plus, I have developed a real love for my players and families, over the past two years, and I am excited to further my career with this great organization.”

Sheffield earned a Master of Education from FreedHardeman. She served as the Assistant Volleyball Coach for two years before accepting the varsity volleyball coaching position at Christ Presbyterian Academy. She also served as the Club Volleyball Head Coach, Recruiting Coordinator, and Camp Instructor for Club West Nashville.

Academic Rigor Professional Developments

Ben Phillips met with University School of Jackson faculty in April for professional development training on classroom integration. English, math, history, and science departments participated in this academic rigor workshop.

Ben is the Associate Dean for Education in the College of Education at Union University, where he also serves as the Chair of the Department of Educational Leadership and as the Director of the Ed.D. and Ed.S. programs. As Associate Dean, he oversees curriculum development and admissions for the Ed.D. and Ed.S. programs, manages student advising and mentorship, and hires and supports faculty. As a Professor of Educational Leadership, Dr. Phillips also teaches numerous courses in the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership program and has published prolifically on topics ranging from public school funding, educational efficiency, and avenues for success in education in both the public and private school arenas.

Cathy Garrett

In June, Cathy Garrett, Assistant Director of Development and Director of Alumni Relations, retired after serving USJ for five years. Soon after coming on board in 2016, she quickly established herself as a valuable member of the administrative team and worked tirelessly to ensure that the needs of the Development Office and our alumni were met.

As a USJ parent, Cathy often volunteered for the school when she could while working at The Jackson Sun as their Market Development Director. Many of you may remember working alongside her while volunteering for Holiday Mart or other school events. Her husband Charlie was a member of the Board of Trustees who eventually served as Chairman. Their two children, Anna (’13) and Alex (’16), both attended USJ from Kindergarten through graduation. When asked about their experience with USJ from a parent’s perspective, Cathy shared, “Charlie and I are eternally grateful that our children received an ‘Education for a Lifetime’ while at USJ.”

Those of us who worked closely with Cathy will miss her keen mind, sense of humor, and professionalism. We certainly wish her all the best in this next chapter of her life!

New Director of Auxiliary Programs

Melissa Zerfoss was appointed to the newly-created position of Director of Auxiliary Programs on June 1. This position oversees the various after-school and summer activities for students ages two through twelfth grade, including After Care, Summer, and Conservatory Programs. In addition, she coordinates the financial and record-keeping aspects of the development office and continues her work in communications.

Melissa earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Mississippi. She joined the staff at USJ in 2011, after many years as an active parent volunteer. Since that time, she has served in various roles, including Summer Programs Director, Director of Alumni Relations, and Assistant to the Head of School. Melissa and her husband Matt (’90) have two children. Nick (’18) is a senior at Union University, and Zach is a freshman at Ole Miss. Ruth Ann Morrison

Ruth Ann Morrison retired in June after 30 years in the classroom. A 1974 Old Hickory Academy graduate, Ruth Ann married fellow OHA 1973 graduate George Morrison and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Middle Tennessee State University in 1977. Ruth Ann joined the faculty at OHA in 1983 and taught for several years before leaving to raise her children. She returned to teach at USJ in 1999. Together, Ruth Ann and George raised three accomplished USJ graduates, Margaret Maddux (‘01), Meredith Walker (‘03), and Melissa Hayes (‘06).

During her time at USJ, Ruth Ann was a beloved teacher and coworker who mainly taught Middle School English. She also served in various faculty advisor roles, including cheer sponsor, field trip chaperone, and spelling bee organizer.

We have certainly missed her wit and ready smile at lunchtime this year. Ruth Ann, we miss you and wish you all the best for the coming years!

New After School Care/Camp Bruins Coordinator and Early Childhood Assistant Director

In the spring of 2021, Laquita Robinson accepted the position of After School Care and Camp Bruins Coordinator. Laquita runs the day-to-day operations of After School Care and Camp Bruins and works closely with Melissa Zerfoss as she oversees the department’s financial and long-range planning. She was recently appointed to the additional position of Early Childhood Assistant Director and is working closely with Assistant Lower School Director Holly Stroup to oversee the Infants & Toddlers program in the late afternoons.

Laquita earned her Bachelor and Master of Social Work and Master of Business Administration degrees from Union University and is currently working toward completing her Doctor of Education degree. She has worked for USJ in both After School Care and Camp Bruins for the last three years. Laquita also has ten years of experience working as a preschool teacher in various childcare centers. Outside of work, Laquita enjoys traveling, serving the community whenever possible, and spending time with her family.