USJ 24-25 ETHOS Magazine & Annual Report

ETHOS

232/240 McClellan Road Jackson, TN 38305

731.664.0812 • usjbruins.org

USJ’s Mission

We instill a passion for academic, artistic, and athletic excellence, while committing to personal integrity, mutual respect, and lifelong learning.

Identity Statement

USJ is a non-denominational, non-sectarian, college preparatory school dedicated to academic excellence and to our founding principles of faith, service, and scholarship. Based on a heritage grounded in Judeo-Christian values, we provide an educational environment where students of all ethnic, cultural, and religious backgrounds are valued and respected. The faculty, administration, and students are empowered to nurture and embrace the Judeo-Christian values and our operating principles. Through the fulfillment of our mission and adherence to these core principles and values, we prepare our graduates to be responsible and informed world citizens.

Welcome from the Head of School

USJ is a special place. All who are turning the pages of this edition of “Ethos” really need not to be reminded of this truth. We know that we exist as a place where memories are formed and relationships forged. We have learned in these halls, competed on these fields, and send our children here to be loved and engaged, discipline instilled.

We are all familiar with the mission, many may know it by heart. At its core lies the concept of growth. In short, we grow people. That transformation occurs here. Our beautiful campus itself stands as a visual reminder of that growth, and if you have not visited lately, I welcome you to visit and witness for yourself a visible and tangible exemplar of our mission.

Whether you currently reside too far away to visit regularly or drive through our carpool daily, I encourage you to turn this page and see for yourself all the encouraging happenings at USJ…

I assure you that you will find teachers making a difference by pouring themselves into our students. Students who are learning valuable lessons: how to solve for x, be a great teammate, write an essay, and perform on the stage. Most importantly, to grow into a person of character.

I hope you enjoy this publication and that it brings back positive memories and inspires you to come see for yourself. Ask for me; I would love to see you and welcome you home.

Go Bruins!

Don Roe Head of School

Excellence Ed Podcast Builds Connection Through Conversation

USJ is introducing a new platform to share ideas, spark conversations, and highlight the voices that shape the school community. The Excellence Ed Podcast, developed by a team of faculty and administrators, offers a thoughtful and accessible way for listeners to better understand life at USJ and within the broader independent school world.

The idea for the podcast came from a desire to offer families another way to engage with the school. “We wanted to launch the Excellence Ed Podcast to offer our families another source of information to celebrate all there is to know about USJ and the independent school experience,” said Head of Middle School Margaret Livingston. “Podcasting moves us into the current trends of communication.”

The podcast is designed for a wide audience - parents, students, alumni, faculty, and prospective families. Over time, the team also hopes to build connections across the independent school community and contribute to larger conversations around education and child development. “Our future goal is to establish Excellence Ed as a premiere source of information for independent school leaders and families,” Livingston said.

Each episode will highlight a central theme - from the transition into middle school to college admissions, arts and athletics, digital citizenship, and more. Guests include faculty, staff, students,

alumni, and directors from across campus. Some episodes will be tailored toward parents or students, while others will speak to both.

“We plan to feature guests from all areas of the school and USJ community, with a future goal of inviting guests from beyond the USJ community,” Livingston explained.

Erica Davidson serves as the podcast host and editor. Pam Stanfield handles publishing and promotion, and Margaret supports scheduling, topic planning, and logistics. “We do hope to engage the STEM classes in editing the podcast in the future,” Livingston noted, “and perhaps helping students create a completely student-led/edited/hosted podcast. There is endless potential here.”

The team plans to keep content both timely and grounded in the school’s mission. “We hope to stay abreast of educational trends that directly impact our students,” Livingston said. “As we better explore the educational trends, we will keep the heart of the mission as the center of the podcast: to grow as individuals.”

Each episode will include transcripts in the show notes, and listeners can access the podcast through USJ’s website, social media, and platforms like Podbean. Families are also invited to submit topic ideas by emailing podcast@ usjbruins.org.

Early episodes will focus on themes central to student and family life. Livingston shared that she’s especially looking forward to recording the ones about Middle School. “Middle school can be a tumultuous time for kids and their parents. I look forward to the opportunity to share some of the positive experiences that students can have in Middle School, as well as how small changes to personal habits can improve the general outcome of a Middle School student.”

The production process has been collaborative and evolving. “It is so much fun. Erica is an engaging and thoughtful host,” Margaret shared. “It’s definitely been and will continue to be a learning curve on the technical side to ensure that episodes feel polished but still real. Let’s be real, we’re educators, not sound engineers, but we are trying.”

Through it all, the committee has stayed focused on what they hope to achieve: connection, clarity, and a stronger sense of shared purpose. “A win will be our community members listening, embracing, and understanding the expertise that our faculty, staff, and stakeholders have to offer,” Livingston said. “We’ll be happy if just one or two people have a positive response.”

The Excellence Ed Podcast is a reflection of USJ’s commitment to learning at every level. As the team continues building episodes and involving more voices, they’re hopeful it will become a space for curiosity, growth, and community.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Senior Sisters Builds Community and Connection at USJ

The Senior Sisters club at the University School of Jackson was started by Mary Catherine Campbell to bring students together and create a stronger sense of connection between grade levels. The goal of the club is to help freshmen feel supported as they start high school, and give seniors a chance to lead and give back.

Each senior in the program is paired with a freshman. Throughout the year, they check in, offer advice, and build a relationship that helps younger students feel more at home. The experience gives freshmen someone to talk to and learn from as they adjust to a new environment.

One of the highlights of the club is the reveal day, when each freshman finds out who their “big sister” is. It’s the beginning of a relationship that often lasts well beyond the first year of high school. These oneon-one connections help create a school culture where students look out for each other.

Sophia King, the current president of Senior Sisters, says, “Senior Sisters is a wonderful club, and I would suggest every high school senior and freshman join when it’s their time.”

Senior Sisters gives students a chance to grow, lead, and be part of something that strengthens the school community. It’s a simple idea that continues to make a big difference.

Prince & Morris Nominated to

Mayor’s Youth Council Class of 2026

In September, USJ seniors Taylor Prince and Jack Morris were sworn in by City of Jackson Mayor Scott Conger to join the Mayor’s Youth Council Class of 2026. This distinguished assembly consists of about ten high school seniors. The council’s primary objective is to address community concerns. Through the MYC, local authorities strive to better reflect the community’s diversity and enhance services that impact the youth directly.

Mayor’s Youth Council Outstanding Youth Award

Congratulations to Rich Nichols for receiving the Mayor’s Youth Council Outstanding Youth Award at the City of Jackson’s Children’s Day Celebration in April.

Eight USJ Students Selected for the Greater Jackson Chamber Leadership University

USJ is thrilled to announce that eight students were selected to participate in the 2025-2026 class of the Greater Jackson Chamber Leadership University. This prestigious program is designed to nurture the leadership potential of high school juniors from across Madison County.

Congratulations to our selected students including Lola Agbetoyin, Mary Blake Ferguson, Eli Freeman, Addyson Kirkland, Aarna Mehta, Joshua O’Neal, Lilly Teague and Jesse Via.

“We are excited to welcome our new participants to Leadership University,” says Lauren Saliba, Greater Jackson Chamber vice president of education and leadership development. “This year’s group is full of talented and motivated young leaders. Leadership University provides students with meaningful insights into Jackson and offers experiences they wouldn’t otherwise have. They’ll develop lifelong friendships and build leadership skills that will empower their future. Our dedicated board works hard to ensure it’s a truly impactful experience.”

Throughout the school year, class members will meet monthly to participate in sessions focused on critical community topics such as healthcare, criminal justice, economic development, education, and government. Each session includes a leadership skill-building component, and students will hear directly from professionals in these fields who will share current realities, challenges, and visions for the future.

Leadership University is a youth leadership development program for Jackson-Madison County and is made up of a diverse group of high school juniors that demonstrates leadership potential. The program started in 1999 as a team class project of Leadership Jackson, LU prepares participants to become responsible, ethical leaders that make a positive difference in others, as well as their community by creating awareness in all aspects of the community. The five-month program is designed to identify a diverse group of high school students who demonstrate leadership potential; and to develop in an interactive environment, the framework for constructive leadership, committed involvement, and responsible participation in the future of this community.

USJ Students Explore London, Paris & Barcelona

This summer, a group of USJ students, parents, and faculty members explored three of Europe’s most well-known cities: London, Paris, and Barcelona. The trip was part of the school’s long-standing study abroad program, led by Señor Jimmy Glosson, Chair of the World Languages and Cultures Department.

Over the course of the trip, students visited major cultural and historical landmarks, tried new foods, heard new languages, and made lasting memories. The group included upper and middle school students, some of whom traveled with parents or grandparents.

Senior Gracie Roy kept a travel log throughout the trip. Her notes and reflections captured the small moments that don’t always make it into an itinerary.

The group started in London, where they toured Windsor, walked through the Tower of London, and saw Mamma Mia! live in the West End. “Such a core memory,” Roy wrote. “Getting to see that musical with so many of my best friends.”

In Paris, students had breakfast in cafés, explored Versailles, walked along the Seine, and visited the Louvre. Roy called the Arc de Triomphe “insanely intricate” and said the Louvre was a must-see for any art lover.

In Barcelona, students took in the coastal views, explored the city’s markets and architecture, a night of flamenco, and ended their visit enjoying the sunset on the Mediterranean.

This year’s travel group stayed busy, but the experience wasn’t just about sightseeing. It gave students a chance to use their language skills, grow more independent, and share experiences with classmates they may not have known well before the trip. As Roy put it, “I’ve never walked so much or learned so much in one week.”

Study abroad opportunities at USJ are open to upper school students and middle schoolers traveling with a parent. Trips are reviewed and approved by Señor Glosson, who works to make sure each group is prepared and supported throughout the journey.

Gracie’s Guide to Europe!

CITY JOURNALS

LONDON

Exploring London and everything it had to offer was so interesting and a perfect way to start our trip! On day 1, after arriving in from a LONG flight, we hit the ground running and went straight to Coventry Garden, a hub in London full of shops and restaurants! On our bus ride there we got to sneak a peek out the window of the London Eye and Big Ben, which was so surreal!!

Day two took us to Windsor and was when we met our beloved London tour guide, Dan! Exploring Windsor, the palace and the town, was so much fun and felt like there was something beautiful on every corner! We had time to explore the town on our own, and we ended up at an amazing classic English restaurant for lunch! We then headed to Buckingham Palace to take a look at the famous palace and of course take lots of photos! After riding the bus over, we found our way to Big Ben, by far one of my favorite sights of the trip. After fish and chips for dinner, we walked over to the West End to see Mamma Mia! Such a core memory getting to see that musical with so many of my best friends!

Our final day in London took us to the Tower of London where we got to explore the large palace and even got to see some of the crown jewels. Walking out of the Tower of London brought us out to the River Thames with a perfect view of the Tower Bridge! After lunch with a view of the bridge we headed over to the train station to get on the train to Paris!

site, which is 10 times bigger than I could have ever expected! Next, one of my most anticipated stops of our trip… the Eiffel Tower! A lifelong dream of mine come true by getting to see the Eiffel Tower with some of my best friends!! After a bit of a bus ride, we made it to Versailles for a tour of the gardens and palace! After a fun day of exploring around Versailles, we made it back to Paris for a stroll around the Seine river and dinner.

For our next day in Paris we started out early with a walk-through tour of the Notre Dame and then headed over to a nearby cafe for, of course, croissants and coffee! Walking through the streets of Paris, we got to see beauty on every corner, whether that be the the architecture or just art on the street! The Louvre was our next stop, where we got to catch a sight of many famous art works, including the Mona Lisa, of course! Lunch outside of the Louvre was a must before we hit the Champs-Élysées for some shopping! Shopping in Paris, another check off the bucket list! We caught the beautiful sunset on our way over to dinner, which was just steps away from the Eiffel Tower, we even got to catch it sparkling when it got dark!

BARCELONA

Our first adventure in Barcelona was walking around the city and seeing all of the beauty it had to offer! Between all of the amazing architecture, along with the tropical area and ocean view, we had so much fun exploring the city!

PARIS

Our first morning in Paris we headed to the bus, and our first stop was at a cafe! Getting to enjoy croissants and cappuccinos in a Paris café was truly such an amazing experience! We then made our way over to the Arc De Triomphe to see the iconic

Big Ben

It’s so much larger than I ever could have expected and all of the gold on it was simply breathtaking! I truly felt like I was watching a real life movie being in front of it!

Windsor

Not just the castle, but the town around it was so much fun to walk around and explore! And of course the castle was so beautiful and getting to see the changing of the guards, although it was raining, was so cool and such a bucket list moment!

The Tower of London

Where do I even begin? The tower itself is humongous and the history behind it is so fascinating!! My favorite part was walking out and facing the most amazing view of the Tower Bridge! It was unlike anything I had ever seen!

Arc De Triomphe

Paris definitely showed out with all of the beautiful architecture! The Arc De Triomphe was 10 times bigger than I expected, but insanely intricate! From carvings of people, to the inscriptions of soldiers’ names, it was truly amazing!

Eiffel Tower

This has always been something I’ve wanted to visit, and seeing it in person for the first time was truly a “pinch me” moment! What I loved most about the Eiffel Tower was how it could basically be seen from anywhere around the city!

The Louvre

As an art lover, art museums have always been my favorite, and the Louvre was no different! The architecture of the entire building was absolutely amazing and of course so was all of the beautiful work inside! From carefully crafted sculptures to beautifully painted portraits, everything was stunning!

The Mediterranean Sea

One night, some of us took a sunset cruise around Barcelona and it is one of my favorite memories from the trip! Getting to float along the Mediterranean Sea with a beautiful view of the Barcelona skyline was truly unforgettable and a moment I’ll cherish forever!

USJ Welcomes New Honor Council Members Dedicated to Upholding Integrity & Accountability

In early September, the University School of Jackson Upper School welcomed nine new members to its esteemed Honor Council including Caroline Pettigrew, Caroline White, Allie Kate Heit, Vivianne Neely, Miller Haltom, Josh O’Neal, Charlie Redden, Jackson Pugh, and Jack White.

The council has two representatives from each grade alongside a speaker, the council upholds stringent standards for its members, requiring a minimum 3.5 grade point average.

The Honor Council emphasizes principles of trust, support, and integrity among students. The council’s role is to promote accountability among students and foster empathy within its ranks.

At its core, the Honor Council is dedicated to ensuring adherence to principles of honesty and integrity, while simultaneously nurturing character development within the USJ community. Any breaches of the Honor Code, such as lying, cheating, or stealing, are subject to investigation by the council. Cases are heard with utmost confidentiality, and after careful deliberation, the council recommends appropriate action to the administration.

Two ‘25 Seniors Earn Distinguished Tennessean Scholarship

USJ seniors Vaidehi Prasad and Luke Sullivan were selected as recipients of the Distinguished Tennessean Scholarship. As recipients of this scholarship, the students will have their tuition and mandatory fees fully covered for the next four years at the University of Tennessee.

This award recognizes students with exceptional academic performance who have also demonstrated engagement in their community. It also allows students to pursue higher education without the burden of financial constraints, enabling them to focus on their academic and personal growth.

USJ wishes Vaidehi and Luke continued success as they embark on an exciting new chapter at the University of Tennessee.

Governor’s School

The Tennessee Governor’s Schools provide eleven challenging and high-intensity programs for rising 11th and 12th grade students nominated by high school faculty. Each school offers a unique learning environment for students interested in the arts, humanities, agriculture science, STEM programs, advanced mathematics, physics, leadership, international studies, Tennessee history, or potential teaching careers.

The following USJ students participated in the program during the summer 2025 session:

Diego Montoya - Science and Engineering

Diya Patel - Tennessee History & Environmental Studies

Caitlin Langley - Humanities

Greyson Griffin - Art-Visual

Aarna Mehta - Art-Vocal

Students interested in participating in a Governor’s School should obtain the application from a high school administrator, school counselor, or other faculty member.

Celebrating Mathematical Excellence

The University School of Jackson once again stood proud as students participated in the Tennessee Mathematics Teachers’ Association (TMTA) Math Competition. Their achievements continue to highlight our school’s commitment to academic excellence and our students’ dedication to pushing the boundaries of their mathematical abilities. The 2025 competition was held in April at Freed-Hardeman University.

9th Grade Honors Algebra 1 –3rd Place Team Competition

Mary Margaret Crider

Reese Reynolds

Landon McCord

Cooper McGehee

Will Snider

9 & 10th Grade Honors

Geometry –2nd Place Team Competition

Patrick Campbell

Caitlin Langley

Emily McKenzie

Addi Simeon

Jack White

11th Grade Honors Algebra 2 –2nd Place Team Competition

Whit Barnes

Eli Freeman

Joshua O’Neal

Andrew Simeon

Jett Webb

11th Grade Honors

Precalculus –1st Place Team Competition

Kipi Golden

Noah Martin

Diego Montoya

Avani Prasad

Charlie Redden

12th Grade AP Calculus –1st Place Team Competition

Haynes Haltom

Max Kilburn

Harry Morris

Dhruv Patel

Jane Claire Ragon

Mia Webb

Since its inception in 1957, TMTA has united high school math enthusiasts from across the state in a rigorous competition that showcases both talent and tenacity. What began as a collection of small, local contests has evolved into a prestigious annual event, drawing the brightest minds from public, private, and parochial schools throughout Tennessee.

Each exam lasts 80 minutes and consists of 40 multiple-choice questions. Calculators without symbolic manipulation are allowed on all six contest exams.

American Legion Girls & Boys State

The American Legion Volunteer Girls & Boys State Delegate program is a non-partisan opportunity to teach and encourage civic responsibility. Rising seniors are selected on the following qualities: character, outstanding leadership, academic excellence, and community participation.

In 2025, USJ was represented by the following delegates: Madeline Eldridge, Kipi Golden, Avani Prasad, and Abigail Preston for Girls State, and Ayden Johnson for Boys State.

Delegates are selected for Girls & Boys State by USJ faculty during a voting process.

The interactive program immerses students in government practices at the local, county, and state level through education and activities. Throughout the week participants elect city, county, and state officials, engage in party politics, debate legislation, and collaborate in a host of fun team activities. Sessions are held each year in the summer.

Tennessee American Legion Boys & Girls State is among the most respected and selective educational programs of government instruction for high school students.

Jackson Rotary Club Scholarship Award Recipient

As a Junior Rotarian, students learn how Rotary impacts the community. The club then selects one Junior Rotarian from each area high school to receive a scholarship. The scholarship recipients represent nine high schools in Jackson. Each student receives $2,000, which goes towards the college of their choice. Max Kilburn was chosen to represent the University School of Jackson. The Rotary Club has been helping students pursue higher education through local scholarships for more than 22 years.

FACULTY & STAFF NEWS

What It Takes to Keep USJ Game

From football games under the lights at Kirkland Field to early morning matches on the tennis courts, sports at the University School of Jackson don’t just happen - they’re made possible by a team working behind the scenes. Long before athletes take the field, much preparation is already underway.

Philip Dunn, USJ’s facilities director, leads the group that keeps everything running. He and his crew handle the details that most people don’t think about but make a big difference on game day.

In the last five years, USJ has upgraded nearly every major athletic facility. The baseball field has new stands and dugouts. Kirkland Field has a new turf surface, a jumbotron, and updated features for fans. The Lady Bruins now train in their own dedicated facility, and the tennis complex, along with a new tennis-golf space, has added more options for student-athletes. The softball complex is being fully renovated.

Taking care of these spaces is a full-time job. Philip and his team start early with mowing, edging, aerating, and checking irrigation systems. They track how the fields drain and how the sun hits different areas during the day. Turf fields have their own schedule that includes brushing, deep cleaning, and regular checks to keep them safe and consistent.

“We monitor field conditions constantly,” Philip says. “Soil pH levels, drainage, even the direction of sunlight - it all factors in.”

On game days, the crew checks every detail. Fields are groomed and chalked, bleachers are cleaned, and lighting and sound systems are tested. If bad weather hits, they have plans ready to protect the field and keep things on track.

Philip also works closely with coaches. He wants to know what each team needs ahead of time so the facilities are ready when it matters.

“Every sport has different wear patterns and timing needs,” he says. “We meet with coaches regularly so we can stay ahead of what the teams need before they even ask for it.”

That kind of planning helps shape decisions about new turf, lighting, and long-term improvements.

Philip sees all of this as part of a bigger goal.

“When a player steps onto a clean, well-kept field, it tells them we care about their experience,” he says. “It creates pride. And pride translates to performance.”

A lot of people come to watch what happens on the field. But what happens before the first whistle is just as important. Thanks to Philip and his team, every field, court, and facility reflects the effort that goes into making sports at USJ something special.

A New Era of Leadership for USJ Upper School

The University School of Jackson has welcomed Dr. Shane Jacobs as the Head of Upper School. Formerly of Peabody High School and the Trenton Special School District, Dr. Jacobs brings a rich and balanced portfolio of classroom instruction, athletic leadership, and administrative innovation.

Dr. Jacobs began his career in high school math classrooms before progressing to safety director and assistant principal roles, serving most recently as Chief of Career and Technical Education for the Trenton Special School District. He served as principal at Peabody High School from 2021 to 2023, while simultaneously leading the institution's football program since 2015. During that time, the football team soared, achieving three consecutive Class 2A state titles, a 44-game winning streak, five semifinal appearances, and guiding more than 20 players into collegiate football careers.

Don Roe, USJ’s Head of School, praised the appointment, noting, "Shane is a proven leader and brings a wealth of experience in building relationships, supporting students, running school operations, and implementing strategic initiatives.”

A driving focus for Dr. Jacobs is the integration of classroom culture and extracurricular life. Having held leadership roles during championship runs, he understands how community, dedication, and mentorship are essential drivers in both athletics and in guiding college-bound students through rigorous academic demands. He envisions enhancing USJ’s curriculum, maintaining strong faculty-student relationships, and exploring new ways to expand the school’s strengths in scholarship and athletics.

"I am thrilled to join the team of highly skilled educators and leaders at USJ," said Dr. Jacobs. "USJ has a reputation for delivering rigorous academics, competitive athletics, and outstanding arts programs. The excellence established at USJ and continued through the school's current leadership fosters the development and growth of all motivated students. I look forward to working with USJ’s students and faculty."

Dr. Jacobs is also a familiar figure within the broader West Tennessee community. In addition to local news coverage surrounding his successful tenure, several trusted local sports analysts have noted that his coaching style combined structure, detailed preparation, and a model of servant leadership. These qualities suggest a leader poised to capture the ethos of USJ. Roe said, “His strong reputation in West Tennessee is well deserved. I've known him as a man of high character, and his skill set will be a tremendous asset to USJ's Upper School. We are excited to welcome him to our leadership team."

As USJ’s Upper School welcomes Dr. Jacobs, students should expect a leadership style that balances tradition with innovation, encourages collaboration, and fosters academic and athletic excellence. His ability to cultivate both team identity and individual responsibility makes him an exemplary fit for USJ’s mission.

Finding Her Voice, Helping Students Find Theirs Teacher Spotlight: Cari Dill

When Cari Dill steps into her classroom, she focuses on helping students talk, think, and connect. Her goal is to make writing feel useful and literature feel relevant.

Cari came to USJ in 2023 after teaching English and theater at Liberty Tech and South Gibson County. She’s always been drawn to storytelling and structure, and now she brings that to her students in a way that feels both practical and personal.

“I try to ensure my students learn through a variety of assessments,” said Dill. “I love providing opportunities for students to express themselves through different outlets to share what they learn.”

That approach shows up in how she runs her classes. One example is the Julius Caesar project, where students turn the play into a mock election, complete with campaign speeches and strategies.

Another is the Honors Exhibition, where students tie their reading to real-world issues and present their ideas to parents, faculty, and community members.

Cari’s classroom runs on a mix of structure and flexibility. Students practice breaking down strong essays, debating which words work best, and writing clear introductions with a solid thesis. The goal is simple: help them get better at expressing what they think.

“When students synthesize literature with the world around them, that is the most challenging yet rewarding part of teaching,” said Dill. “My students are talented and brilliant; when allowed to show this, that makes me feel proud of who they are and who they are becoming.”

Dill’s classroom is a space where students think deeply, write clearly, and speak confidently.

USJ Names New Chief Financial Officer

Tiffany Hopper was selected to become the school’s new chief financial officer in January 2025.

Hopper comes to the role with years of experience in financial leadership. Most recently, she served as CFO of the Jackson Housing Authority, where she managed a multi-million dollar portfolio and oversaw the agency’s annual budget. Her work there included improving financial systems, streamlining processes, and maintaining regulatory compliance at both the state and federal level.

She’s also no stranger to USJ. Tiffany is the mother of two current students and the wife of Kyle Hopper, the school’s Technology Director.

“Tiffany brings a wealth of experience in financial management and a deep commitment to our school community,” said Head of School Don Roe. “She is excited to work with the administration, faculty, and staff to ensure the school’s continued success.”

As CFO, Tiffany leads the school’s financial planning and operations, helping guide resources in support of USJ’s long-term goals.

USJ Names Veteran Educator

Jimmy Glosson as the Inaugural Dean of Faculty for the Middle and Upper Schools

Glosson, known affectionately by students as Señor Glosson, joins USJ with nearly thirty years on faculty, a deep-rooted vision for language education, and a reputation for nurturing both staff and student excellence.

Glosson joined USJ in 1997 and has profoundly shaped its Spanish program. He oversaw curriculum reform, launched the Advanced Placement Language Program, designed the school's rotating schedule, and led sixteen international educational experiences for students across three continents. Under his guidance, USJ’s AP Spanish Language scores have remained above 95% pass rates, with an average score of 4.0 sustained for more than twenty years.

His academic credentials include a bachelor’s degree in Spanish from the University of Memphis and a master’s degree in Instruction and Curriculum from Union University. His philosophy hinges on hands-on learning, global perspectives, and linguistic mastery. Parents routinely credit Señor Glosson with inspiring confidence, cultural curiosity, and communication skills in their children.

In announcing the leadership shift, Head of School Don Roe described Glosson as “a master teacher whose instructional leadership, passion for students, and dedication to academic excellence make him a natural fit for this important new role.” The formal appointment preserves Glosson’s teaching and leadership duties while adding key faculty mentorship responsibilities.

“Being a teacher is one of my proudest achievements,” Glosson remarked when asked about his expanded role. “In this new capacity, I hope to offer affirmation, advice, encouragement, and mentorship to our most valuable resource - our teachers.” His daily presence in the classroom ensures that the faculty development he champions is grounded in the lived experience of USJ teaching.

With the Dean of Faculty position, USJ seeks to strengthen educator support, improve instructional practices, and build systems to adapt to changing educational demands - all while retaining the teacher-faculty connection at its core. Glosson will guide professional development, evaluate curricular innovation, and streamline cross-department collaboration.

His proven ability to lead with empathy and instructional rigor establishes a foundation for sustaining USJ’s academic achievements. Faculty can now look forward to increased collaboration, peer mentorship, and access to research-based practices, which will benefit curriculum delivery, student outcomes, and school culture.

“In this new capacity, I hope to offer affirmation, advice, encouragement, and mentorship to our most valuable resource - our teachers.”

RETIREMENTS

LISA MARLEY

I am a West Tennessee native. I graduated from Bradford High School in 1977 and then received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from Union University in 1981. I remained in Jackson after I graduated from college. My first teaching job was at Haywood Elementary in Brownsville, TN. I was there for 15 years in 1st and 2nd grade. I began teaching at USJ in 1996. This will be my 29th year, also teaching 1st and 2nd grade. 44 years in all!

I have been a USJ coach's wife, teacher, and parent! To say that USJ has been a huge part of my life is an understatement! I will forever cherish the memories of the Bruin Friday night lights and will always be grateful for the wonderful teachers and coaches that mentored and loved our daughter. I've had the opportunity to work with the most amazing colleagues and have made many lifelong friendships! Supportive parents and wonderful students completed the package. My hope is that I made a positive impact on my students' lives and instilled a love of learning that they will carry with them always.

As far as retirement goes, I look forward to having extra time to spend with my family and friends. A good book and a beach chair in the sand will definitely be on the list!

I am a Bruin for Life!

ANNA MCPEAKE

Before coming to USJ in 1999, I spent two years teaching art at Crockett County High School and two years teaching at the elementary level in Jackson/Madison County.

While at USJ, I have taught art to students at the middle school level, as well as after school art classes in grades 2-5, and several upper school art classes.

As soon as I started working at USJ I knew it was a special place. I will treasure the experiences I have had including the many wonderful students, dedicated staff, and incredible support groups. I'm grateful for the opportunity that allowed me to share my love of art with so many students over the years. USJ will always hold a special place in my heart.

As I start the next chapter of my life, I plan to focus on my personal creative projects, lots of reading, more volunteer opportunities with my church, and many more travel adventures with my incredible husband, Kinny.

RANDY OLSWING

Randy came out of retirement in 2020. He had worked for 20 years at Hutchison School in Memphis, and 10 years at the University of Memphis.

Randy served in a leadership role as the CFO, bringing experience and wisdom to USJ.

Randy led the business office which allows us to do everything we need to do. He oversaw salaries, benefits, insurance, etc. Thanks to Randy, the school is in a strong financial place.

Randy treats everyone he encounters with respect and integrity.

“I have worked with Randy every day for the past four years, and I am a better man and leader for knowing and working with Randy. I am going to miss him,” said Don Roe.

FACULTY NEW HIRES

Leslie French - 2nd Grade Teacher - August 2025

Anna Speight - Middle/Upper School Spanish - August 2025

Alicia Gray - Middle School Art - January 2025

Anna Lowery - Teacher’s Assistant - August 2025

Harley Morris - Teacher’s Assistant - August 2025

Kristi Pittman - 5th Grade Teacher - August 2025

Laura Hymers - Teacher’s Assistant - August 2025

Magen Kisner - Teacher’s Assistant - August 2025

Ethan Baskin - Lower School Spanish - August 2025

Janie Patterson - Teacher’s Assistant - August 2025

Director of Athletics Update

The 2025 Winter and Spring Seasons saw the USJ Bruins Student Athletes continue the tradition of excellence and compete at a high level across many sports. These athletes and programs embody the mission of the school as they pursued excellence both in the classroom and in the field of competition. Our community showed up no matter where these games were taking place, from Memphis to Murfreesboro, to support our Bruins and push them towards excellence!

The Winter Season concluded with the Lady Bruin Basketball team and the USJ community returning to Cookeville for the Final Four of the TSSAA State Tournament. The Lady Bruins once again, represented the USJ Community with pride and grit as they took the eventual state champion to double overtime in the semi-finals.

As always, 232 McClellan Road and buzzing with activity during the Spring. On any weekday, you could arrive on campus and there would be at least two games going on and plenty of Bruins to cheer for. The Spring saw three programs go to the Spring Fling. The Track and Field, Boys Tennis, and Softball all competed for championships in Murfreesboro in their respective sports. In Track and Field, the Bruins were able to bring home two Gold Medals with Olivia Welch taking first place in the Long Jump and Lilly Teague taking first place in the 400 Meter Dash.

Thank you to all of the student-athletes and their families, our coaches, our medical staff, our administration, our faculty, and the entire University School of Jackson community for being a part of the successes that this year has brought!

College Signings

We are proud to celebrate six outstanding Bruins who committed to continue their academic and athletic careers at the collegiate level. Alex Wallace signed to play football at Carson–Newman University, Noah Spencer continues his football journey at University of Dayton, and Cooper Sikes is at Lindsey Wilson College for football. On the baseball side, Corben Howard plays at Union University, Logan Foster signed to play baseball at Volunteer State, and Max Kilburn is takng the field at Sewanee: The University of the South.

Congratulations to these student-athletes on this tremendous achievement!

Brief Recap of Fall 2024 & Spring 2025 Season

FOOTBALL

Team Record: 10-2

Achievement: Advanced to the TSSAA Quarterfinals

Individual Honors

• Mr. Football: Noah Spencer

• Division II-AA West Player of the Year: Noah Spencer

• TACA East/West All-Star Game: Alex Wallace, Mills Terry, Noah Spencer

• West TN Sports Plus All-Star Game: Cooper Sikes, Ben Melton

• 1st Team Offense: Wallace Driver, Mills Terry, Josh O’Neil

• 1st Team Defense: Miles Horton, Alex Wallace, Drew English, Barrett Shelton, Ben Melton, Noah Britt

• 2nd Team All-Region: Jack Morris, Eli Yandell, Blane Lafferty

• All-Region Special Teams: Cooper Sikes

• All-Region Honorable Mention: Corben Howard, Jackson Pugh, Hudson Rushing, Bradley Stamper, Andrew Simeon, Jacob Snider

GIRLS BASKETBALL

Record: 26-4

Achievements:

District Champions, Region Champions, TSSAA State Final Four

Individual Honors

• Ms. Basketball: Haylen Ayers

• Gatorade Player of the Year –Tennessee: Haylen Ayers

• All-District: Haylen Ayers (MVP), Ellen Driver, Sophie King, Lilly Teague

• All-Region: Haylen Ayers (MVP), Ellen Driver, Lilly Teague

• TSSAA State All-Tournament Team: Haylen Ayers

• TSWA All-State: Haylen Ayers, Lilly Teague

BOYS BASKETBALL

Record: 17-7

Achievements: District 5 Runner-Up Division II-A Ranked #12

Individual Honors

• All-District: Sam Keyl, Reid Finney, Mills Terry

• 2nd Team All-West TN: Mills Terry

GIRLS SOCCER

Record: 13-5 (4-0 District)

Achievements: District Champions 3rd Place in Region

TSSAA State Tournament Final Four

Individual Honors

• All-District: Leda Rose, Abby Varino, Lauren Hutchison, Abigail Preston, Lilly Teague (MVP)

• All-Region: Lilly Teague, Reagan Whitledge, Jaidynn Marquez

• All-State: Lilly Teague, Reagan Whitledge

BOYS SOCCER

Record: 8-5-1

Achievements: District Champions

Individual Honors

• District MVP: Drew English

• All-District: Ben Melton, Cooper Sikes, Will King, Deuce Davenport

GOLF

Achievements:

Region Runner-Up (Boys)

State Tournament Appearance

Individual:

Houston Brasfield – 1st Place (Individual Champion)

CROSS COUNTRY

Achievements: State Appearance

Individual: Addy Kirkland –State Competitor

VOLLEYBALL

Achievements:

District Champions

Division II-A West Region 4th Place

TSSAA Division II-A First Round

Individual Honors

• District MVP: Olivia Welch

• All-District 1st Team: Olivia Welch, Haynes Haltom, Sophie King

• All-District 2nd Team: Leah Brooks, Josie Carney

• All-Region: Haynes Haltom

TRACK & FIELD

Achievements: State Appearance

Individual Honors

• Olivia Welch: 4th Place

– 100m Hurdles, 1st Place

– Long Jump

• Lilly Teague: 1st Place –400m Dash

TENNIS

Boys Team: District Champions, 3rd in Region, Substate Appearance

Individual Honors: Sam Hathcock & Erick Brasfield – Region RunnerUp, State Appearance

BASEBALL

Record: 18-17

Achievements: 3rd Place in District

All-Region & All-State: Noah Britt, Braydin Jones

All-District: Corben Howard, Jeb Bush

SOFTBALL

Record: 20-11-1

Achievements:

District Champions Region Champions 3rd in State

Tennessee Softball Coaches Association

Coaching Staff of the Year: Joel Ayers & Brandon Polk

All-District: Maddie Polk, Haylen Ayers, Laura Kate Prater, Kinsley Brady (MVP – Emerson Fair)

All-Region: Maddie Polk, Haylen Ayers, Emerson Fair (MVP – Laura Kate Prater)

TSCA Division II All-State: Laura Kate Prater, Haylen Ayers, Maddie Polk

TSCA Division II West TN Miss Softball: Emerson Fair

Locker Room Refresh for Bruin Basketball

Both our Boys’ and Girls’ Basketball Locker Rooms received impressive upgrades this past year, thanks to the generous support of our parent community. From design to installation, this project reflects the strong Culture of Giving that continues to elevate the student experience at the U. We are grateful for everyone who contributed time, talent, and resources to transform these areas into spaces that truly reflect Bruin pride..

Bruinettes Dance Team

Finds Its Rhythm at USJ

The University School of Jackson has added a new option for students interested in dance with the launch of the Bruinettes dance team. The team was started by parents Martha Campbell and Cecilia Hammond, both of whom have daughters with years of dance experience. They wanted to give USJ students a new way to stay active and express themselves through movement.

Dance teams have become more common across West Tennessee, and Campbell and Hammond saw an opportunity for USJ to build a program of its own. The idea was simple: create a space for students to participate in something they enjoy while building community along the way.

The Bruinettes had a strong first season, with support from students, teachers, and families. Their debut was well received, and a standout moment came when the team performed on Main Street at Disney. That experience was a meaningful one for the dancers and set the tone for what the team could accomplish.

Interest in the team has grown quickly. Since it began, the Bruinettes have nearly doubled in size going into the 2025–2026 school year. Anna Staggs, a current Rebelette at the University of Mississippi, has judged tryouts for the past two years and said the team has come a long way in a short time. She’s noticed improvement in both choreography and technique.

Much of that growth is thanks to the coaching of USJ alumna Caroline Purcell Meinert, who works with the team through Ballet Arts of Jackson. Her guidance has helped the dancers develop both skill and confidence. The team’s approach to practice is built around consistency and teamwork. Coaches say that while technique matters, they place a higher value on commitment and effort. That mindset has created a strong team dynamic, where dancers support each other and learn together.

Looking ahead, the Bruinettes plan to keep improving and begin preparing for competition in the 2026–2027 season. They also hope to stay involved in school events and contribute to the USJ community. The team’s early success has been possible because of the backing from parents, teachers, and students. The Bruinettes are thankful for that support and are focused on continuing to grow as a team.

USJ Sport Shooting Team Sets New Program Records in Breakthrough Season

The USJ Sport Shooting Team capped off its most successful year in program history, earning podium finishes at both the SCTP State Championship and SCTP Nationals—a first for USJ. Competing against some of the strongest youth shooting programs in the country, USJ athletes delivered standout performances across Skeet, Trap, and Sporting Clays divisions. This exceptional season was highlighted by multiple state titles and dozens of individual and team podium placements.

At the state level, USJ athletes dominated the leaderboard with championship finishes in Intermediate Entry Skeet, Intermediate American Trap, and several High Overall categories. The team’s depth was equally evident at Regionals and throughout the spring circuit, where USJ claimed numerous top-three team placements and a long list of individual honors. These collective achievements not only showcase individual skill but also highlight the growing strength and consistency of USJ’s competitive squads—many of whom reached new personal bests throughout the season.

The historic breakthrough came at SCTP Nationals, where USJ earned its first-ever Top-10 finishes on the national stage. With more than 2,500 athletes competing, USJ brought home hardware in multiple discplines. This milestone reflects years of steady program growth, committed coaching, athlete leadership, and a team culture built on support, discipline, and strong relationships. As the Bruins look ahead, this season stands as a defining moment, proof that USJ’s shooting program has established itself among the best in the state and now, for the first time, on the national stage.

Little Bruins, Big Spirit: USJ Cheerleaders Lead a Beloved Tradition

Each year, one of the most cherished traditions at the University School of Jackson brings together students from across campus for a week filled with spirit, mentorship, and community pride. The annual Little Bruin Cheer Camp, hosted by our Middle and Upper School Cheerleaders, welcomed Junior Kindergarten through 5th grade girls for an unforgettable experience of learning, teamwork, and fun.

Throughout the week, our cheerleaders worked closely with the younger students, teaching them cheers, chants, basic stunts, and the true meaning of Bruin spirit. More than just a camp, the experience creates a special bond between divisions—older students step confidently into leadership roles, while our youngest Bruins gain role models who show them what it looks like to lead with positivity and enthusiasm.

The highlight of the week came under the Friday night lights, when the Little Bruins took the field at halftime to perform alongside their Middle and Upper School mentors. Families filled the stands, proudly cheering on a performance that showcased not just school spirit, but the joy and connection that define the USJ community.

The Little Bruin Cheer Camp continues to be a heartwarming reminder of what makes USJ special— students supporting students, traditions that bring us together, and opportunities that inspire every Bruin to shine.

Making waves on Lake Barkley

Holiday Mart: A USJ Community Tradition

Each November, the University School of Jackson ushers in the holiday season with one of the community’s most anticipated events - Holiday Mart. Sponsored by USJ’s Parents’ Club, Holiday Mart brings families, friends, and neighbors together for a weekend of shopping, food, and fun.

During late November, more than 100 carefully selected vendors fill the Carl Perkins Civic Center with an incredible mix of boutique clothing, hunting gear, home décor, jewelry, artwork, gifts, snacks, and more. Shoppers can get a head start on their holiday lists while enjoying the festive atmosphere created by USJ parents and volunteers. From decorating the Civic Center to baking with friends, for USJ families and alumni, the energy and teamwork behind the scenes are as much a part of the tradition as the shopping itself.

Every USJ parent is a member of the Parents’ Club, an organization founded to strengthen the bond among families while supporting the school. The Club provides opportunities for parents to volunteer, share their talents, and raise funds that directly enhance the student experience.

Holiday Mart itself has roots dating back to the early 1970s, when it began as the Jackson Antique Fair. Over time, it evolved into the Holiday Mart we know today. Proceeds go directly back into USJ, funding projects that make a tangible impact. These are just a few of the things Holiday Mart has made possible over the years:

• Lower School playgrounds

• Robotics program

• Smart boards

• Purchased first set of Lower School iPads

• Purchased the online lunch payment system

• New library books

• Revamping of Middle School/Upper School WiFI

The success of Holiday Mart depends on the commitment and enthusiasm of USJ families. Parents and alumni alike can support the event in several ways:

Volunteer: From merchant check-in and decorating to working shifts during the event and helping with clean-up, there are countless ways to lend a hand.

Bake: The Bake Shop is a Holiday Mart favorite, known for its famous coconut cakes and pumpkin rolls, all prepared by dedicated volunteers.

Sponsor: Holiday Mart offers sponsorship opportunities at many levels, from “Friends of the Mart” to corporate partnerships, allowing everyone to find a way to give.

Whether you shop, bake, volunteer, or sponsor, every contribution plays a vital role in Holiday Mart’s continued success - and helps USJ provide students with an exceptional education.

ARTS NEWS

Celebrating Creativity and Community at Arts at the U

Each spring, the Upper and Middle School halls at the University School of Jackson fill with artwork, music, and a steady buzz of activity. Arts at the U is a school-wide event that highlights student creativity.

‘‘It’s always incredible to watch their confidence and creativity grow throughout the year,’’ said Lower School arts teacher Hope Duffey. ‘‘Arts at the U gives them the chance to share their hard work with the community.’’

Students spend months getting ready. Whether they’re painting, sculpting, taking photos, or rehearsing for a performance, they contribute much time and effort. Artwork from every grade is on display, from Jr. Cubs to AP Art. Ceramics, portraits, and creative designs line the halls, turning our school into an art gallery.

Upper School art teacher Leah Hackett says the arts allow students to problem solve and express themselves, while discovering that their ideas matter. “Our students are amazingly thoughtful and talented,” she said. “They learn to find their voice, express themselves, and embrace the creative process with fabulous results.”

Arts at the U included performances from across grade levels and disciplines. The fifth grade gave a preview of their upcoming musical, Upper school students performed songs from Freaky Friday and Shrek. Guests also heard songs from Madagascar Jr. and watched a one-act play, Bad Auditions by Bad Actors. The upper school band performed small ensemble pieces throughout the building as well, adding to the excitement and ambiance of the event.

Band director Clare Fisher sees that same sense of expression in performance. “Performing is all about connection,” she said. “When our students play, they’re telling a story without words.”

The night wrapped up with the show stopping POPS Concert, where the Bruin Choir and Jr. Bruin Choir performed pieces connected to the theme of Soundtrack of our Lives. What a meaningful way to close the evening and show the variety of talent in the USJ arts program!

Students at every level find their own way to participate. Some are thriving beginners; while others are wrapping up years of work. All of them bring something real to the table. Their projects encourage thoughtful reflection and reveal the values that guide these young artists.

Arts at the U is a time when the USJ community comes together to be a part of one of the biggest events on campus. Parents, grandparents, alumni, and the community at large come to support the students, and many remember when they themselves were the ones on stage or hanging work on the wall. This event is a reminder that the arts are a meaningful and lasting part of the USJ experience.

USJ Student Artists Make Their Mark with Award-Winning Work Across the Region

The creativity and talent of USJ’s young artists continue to shine on a regional and national stage. Students earned top honors in several prestigious competitions, including the Congressional Art Contest, the Scholastic Art Competition, the West Tennessee Regional Student Art Exhibition, and the Briarcrest Regional Art Contest & Exhibition. Showcasing ceramics and mixed media to photography and painting, their work highlights both technical skill and personal expression. We are proud to celebrate these student artists whose achievements bring recognition not only to themselves, but also to the strength of USJ’s visual arts program.

Our Congressional Art Contest Regional Winners

- For the Love of Jackson

Maggie Wright – overall winner on display in Washington DC for a year

National Scholastic Art Show

Abigail Preston – Silver Key Award

West Tennessee Regional Student Art Exhibition

Josie Dougan – Best in Show Ceramics

Olivia Welch – Honorable Mention in Mixed Media

Mary Catherine Campbell – Mixed Media

Jenna Schultz – 2 Sculpture Pieces

Isabella Franz – Mixed Media

Laura Kate Prater – Ceramics

Elizabeth Sue Barnes – Ceramics

Briarcrest Regional Art Contest & Exhibition

Bryleigh McCord – Mixed Media

Jane Claire Ragon – Painting

Jenna Schultz – Photography

Lauren Hutchison – Best Use of Mixed Media

Abigail Preston – Photography

Avani Prasad – Drawing

Greyson Griffin – Photography

Jill Johnson – Drawing

Sadie Overton – Mixed Media

Charlie Berry – Drawing

Jacob Lindley – Mixed Media

Upper School Students Inducted into Prestigious Artistic Honor Societies

USJ is committed to empowering every student to reach their fullest potential, whether they're excelling in academics or showcasing their talents on stage. The institution takes pride in the significant number of students who earn selection into esteemed fine arts honor societies such as the Thespian Society, Tri-M Honor Society, and the National Art Honor Society. Each of these societies maintains distinct criteria, typically including rigorous standards related to GPA, enrollment in AP or honors courses, and commitment to community service through volunteer hours.

The International Thespian Society is an honorary group for high school theatre students and a division of the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA). The mission of ITS is to honor student excellence in the theatre arts.

New members include: Ayden Johnson, Madeline Eldridge, LuAnne Hartup, Lauren Hutchison, Caroline White, Claire Russell, Reese Ann Sikes Faculty Advisor: Erica Davidson

The Tri-M Honor Society is a program of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), which focuses on creating future leaders in music education and music advocacy.

New members include: Maggie Norris, Caroline Brandt, Claire Russell, Laynie Jones, Mary Claire Faulkner, Elena Ferguson, Graylynn Richardson, Taylor May Smith, Reese Ann Sikes, Landon McCord, Lilly Williams Faculty Advisor: Jared Heldenbrand

The National Art Honor Society supports student members in their efforts to attain the highest standards in art scholarship, character, and service.

New members include: Caroline Alea, Madeline Eldridge, Linh Nguyen, Lorelei Ballentine, Greyson Griffin, Sadie Overton, Elizabeth Sue Barnes, LuAnne Hartup, Yashi Patel, Carmen Biggs, Paris Hennings, Taylor Prince, Samantha Bosco, Anabeth Hooper, Lacey Schmidgall, Olivia Botter, Lauren Hutchison, Sierra West, Josie Carney, Kendall Keen Faculty Advisor: Leah Hackett

Choir Students Featured in Regional Honor Choirs

USJ’s choir students delivered outstanding performances at various recent competitions, showcasing their talent and dedication. Guided by Jared Heldenbrand, the following students exemplified excellence and proudly represented our school’s artistic department.

Tennessee All State Honor Choir Rheagan Hicks, Diego Montoya, Ava Bates

All Northwest Tennessee Honor Choir

Diego Montoya, Aydon Isbell, Noah Martin, Matt Murray, Allie Harbin, Anna Badgett, Rheagan Hicks, Claire Russell, Addy Kirkland, Mary Caryl Gwatney, Lola Agbetoyin, Reagan Creech, Mary Blake Ferguson, Carmen Biggs, Hayden Hight, Amelia Luttrell, Laynie Jones, Catherine Bell, Ava Bates

Murray State University’s Quad State Honor Choir

Sawyer Hunley, Smith Berry, Rheagan Hicks, Matt Murray, Claire Russell, Mary Blake Ferguson, Emi Hammond, Carmen Biggs, Ava Bates

University of Memphis Honor Choir

Smith Berry, Diego Montoya, Maggie Norris, Matt Murray, Rheagan Hicks, Reagan Creech, Anna Badgett, Mary Caryl Gwatney, Grace Durham, and Hayden Hight pictured alongside University of Memphis Director of Choral Activities Dr. Francis Cathlina.

Quad State Middle School Band Festival

USJ Middle School students were recently chosen to participate in the Quad State Middle School Band Festival at Murray State University. Brody Hicks, Andrew Hackett, and Hunter Davidson were selected to attend this prestigious event, which brings together top middle school musicians from four states. Thousands of students were nominated or auditioned, and those selected performed in one of several bands made up of outstanding musicians from the region. Each band included approximately 100 students and concluded the festival with a final performance on Murray State’s campus.

A Stage for Every Student

From Junior Kindergarten through 5th grade, every Lower School student shines in an annual musical. These performances build confidence, creativity, teamwork, and strong communication skills.

What’s New With Our USJ Alumni

MARRIAGES

Alex Kurth (‘07) and Lauren Strewig were married on May 25, 2025, at St. Jude Catholic Church in Lakewood, CO, with a reception following at The Fort. The couple traveled to Morocco and Portugal for their honeymoon and now reside in Denver with their three pets. Alex is a physician for ProHealth, and Lauren works as a flight attendant for Southwest Airlines.

Alexandra Harlan (‘11) and Eli Zartman were married on May 23, 2025, at the Bridge Building in Nashville, TN. The couple traveled to Seattle, WA, and Vancouver, BC, for their honeymoon. They reside in Nashville, where Alexandra works as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and Eli is a graduate student in Vanderbilt’s MBA program.

Trevor McGee (’12) and Honeye Heydari (’12) were married on October 26th, 2024, at Villa Carminati Resta in Lake Como, Italy. The couple honeymooned in the Amalfi Coast and Rome. They now reside in Memphis, where Trevor is a radiology resident at Baptist Memorial Hospital, and Honeye is a nurse practitioner.

Destini Kramer (‘12) and Kody Kilburn (‘14) were married April 4, 2025. They celebrated an intimate ceremony and reception with friends and family at the Alderman House in Fort Myers, FL. They reside in Jackson, with daughters Rylan (‘31) and Emerson (‘35) and their two dogs. They both work for Golden Circle Auto Group, Kody in Sales and Destini in Marketing, where they are excited to continue the family legacy both at USJ and in the car business.

Francis Chandler (‘12) and Peter Stephens were married on April 26, 2025, at Calvary Episcopal Church in Memphis, Tennessee, with a reception following at the University Club of Memphis. The couple traveled to Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Koh Samui, Thailand for their honeymoon. They now reside in Houston, Texas, where Francis is a Manager in the PwC Deals practice, and Peter is an Account Executive at Precisely.

Peyton Fendley (‘13) and Lakin Russell tied the knot on May 24, 2025, in Orange Beach, AL. The couple traveled to St. Lucia for their honeymoon. They reside in Paducah, KY, where Lakin is a Hospice Care Consultant, and Peyton is an Outside Territory Manager for JMS Metals.

Jacob Hamilton (‘12) and Robbie Giesman were married on June 7, 2025, at The Silos Venue in Jonesboro, Arkansas. The couple traveled to Hilton Head, South Carolina for their honeymoon. They now reside in Brownsville, TN. Jacob is the West Tennessee Office Manager for Aquatic Control West Tennessee Pond Management office, located in Jackson.

Trace Carlock (‘13) and Mary Katherine McCaa were married on May 17, 2025, at The Mill at Plein Air in Oxford, Mississippi, with a tented reception at the Mill. The couple traveled to Maui, Hawaii, as well as Oahu, Hawaii, for their honeymoon. They now reside in Brentwood, Tennessee, where Trace is the Platform Manager of Carlock Automotive, and Mary Katherine is a Registered Nurse with Retief Skin Center while also pursuing her Family Nurse Practitioner degree.

Ely Mandle (‘14) and Tatum Nix were married on February 8, 2025, at the Bell Tower in downtown Nashville. They traveled to Harbour Island, Bahamas, for their honeymoon and now reside in Nashville, where Ely builds and develops custom homes, and Tatum works for a marketing firm.

Charlie Hughes (‘14) and his wife, Layla, were married on September 28, 2024, at Graystone Quarry in Franklin, Tennessee. The two met while in dental school and have supported each other through their academic and professional journeys. After the wedding, they spent their honeymoon in Italy. Charlie will be practicing pediatric dentistry two days a week at Wild Smiles Pediatric Dentistry in Jackson and two days a week at Muletown Pediatric Dentistry in Columbia, TN. Layla will be joining Dental Haven in Franklin, TN, where she will work full time.

Rachel Giampapa (‘15) and Bobby Scott were married on April 5, 2025, at Church of the Holy Communion in Memphis, Tennessee, with a reception following at the University Club of Memphis. They traveled to Key West, Florida, and then to several cities in South Africa on their honeymoon. The couple resides in Memphis with their two dogs, Kloppy and Mo. Rachel teaches math and science at St. Mary’s Episcopal School, and Bobby works in logistics for RXO, Inc.

Madison Martin (‘16) and Seth Permenter were married on September 21, 2024, at First United Methodist Church in Jackson, Tennessee, with a reception to follow at The Jackson Country Club. The couple traveled to Barbados for their honeymoon. They now reside in Bells, Tennessee. Madison is a Physician Assistant with Brownsville Family Medicine, and Seth is a Field Biologist with BASF.

Logan Carey (‘16) and Caroline Duncan were married on June 26, 2025, at the Shelby County Courthouse in Memphis, with a reception held on June 28 at Southern Grace in Arlington, TN. The two currently live in Memphis, where Logan works in sales for BSN Sports, and Caroline works at St. Mary’s Episcopal School as the Athletics Social Media Coordinator.

Alex Garrett (‘16) and Abby Klutts were married on May 3, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church in Jackson, Tennessee, with a reception following at the Jackson Country Club. The couple traveled to the island of Curaçao for their honeymoon. They now reside in Jackson, where Alex serves as the Accounting & Project Manager at Garrett Plumbing and Heating Co, a real estate investment company, and Abby works as a recruiter with Simmons Bank.

Caroline Sammons (‘16) and Colton Butler were married on December 7, 2024, at The Robinshaw in Piperton, TN. The couple traveled to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, for their honeymoon. They now reside in Jackson, where Caroline is USJ’s Jr. Cubs-2nd grade Music Teacher, and Colton is a project manager for Ventcon HVAC Sheet Metal in Stanton, TN.

Luke Hollman (‘17) and Bren Ibarra were married on March 24, 2025, at the Hotel Krystal Grand Los Cabos in Los Cabos, Mexico. Luke has a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts and is a real estate appraiser. Brenda is from Guadalajara, Mexico. She has a bachelor’s degree in nursing and a master’s degree in psychology. The couple currently live in Jackson.

Ryan Davis (‘17) and Adaline Kinney got married on November 23rd, 2024, at Scarritt Bennett Wightman Chapel in Nashville, Tennessee, with a reception following at Richland Country Club. They traveled to St. Vincent for their honeymoon. The couple now resides in Jackson, Tennessee, where Adaline is a speechlanguage pathologist at The Therapy and Learning Center and Ryan is the owner of C&C Wine and Liquor.

Katelyn “Katie” Watlington (‘17) and Cole Welch were married on May 3, 2025, at The Venue at Twin Oaks in Humboldt, Tennessee. The couple traveled to Italy for their honeymoon, visiting Rome, Florence, and the Amalfi Coast. They now reside in Huntsville, Alabama, where Katie is an attorney with F&B Law Firm, PC, and Cole is an aerospace engineer with Lockheed Martin.

Julianna Seals (‘16) and Clay Carver of Coppell, TX, were married on April 26, 2025, at Faith Community Church in Humboldt, Tennessee, with a tent reception following at the lovely home of USJ family Nathan and Angela Spencer. The couple honeymooned in Antigua and now reside in Dallas.

Gray Morris (‘17) and Bailey Carmack were married on June 7, 2025, at Ararat Baptist Church in Jackson, Tennessee, with a reception to follow at The Barn at Snider Farms. The couple traveled to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines for their honeymoon. They now reside in Bells, Tennessee. Gray is currently working at Delta Contracting Company as a Project Manager, while Bailey is working as the Office Manager at Snider Equipment in Jackson.

Weston Box (‘18) and Megan Lime were married on August 9, 2025, at Haebler Memorial Chapel in Towson, Maryland. The couple honeymooned at Coco Bay Resort in Antigua and will make their home in Jackson, Tennessee. Weston is an attorney with Rainey Kizer, and Megan is an orthopedic surgical nurse with Physicians Surgery Group.

Mary Allison Jones (‘19) and Cameron Hargrove were married on April 12, 2025, at The Florian Chapel at Mallard’s Croft in Byhalia, MS. The couple honeymooned at The Valentin Imperial in the Riviera Maya. They moved to Little Rock, AR, where Mary Allison is a private client group associate at Stephen’s, Inc., and Cameron is a grain merchandiser for Woodall Grain Company.

Lydia Woods (‘18) and Jackson Farris were married on January 4, 2025, at First United Methodist Church in Huntsville, Alabama, with a reception following at The Roundhouse. The couple traveled to St. Lucia for their honeymoon. They now reside in Huntsville, where Lydia works as a school-based therapist at The Enrichment Center, and Jackson works as an engineer at Zeus Research and Technology.

Abby Vaughn (‘18) and Andrew Pahos were married on May 31, 2025, at Bonne Terre Country Inn in Nesbit, Mississippi. The couple traveled to New York, Boston, and Maine for their honeymoon. They now reside in Memphis, where Abby works in Events and Marketing for the City of Germantown, and Andrew is the Assistant Band Director for Bartlett High School.

Brylee Whitsitt (‘18) and Baker Niblick were married on September 7, 2024, at Maple Grove Estate in Knoxville, Tennessee. The couple traveled to Curaçao for their honeymoon. They now reside in Knoxville, Tennessee, where Brylee is an attorney, and Baker owns a software company.

Tyler Hite (‘19) and Tori Ellis (‘20) were married on June 14, 2025, at the Aeneas Building in Jackson, Tennessee. The couple honeymooned in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. They now reside in Memphis, Tennessee, with their daughter Harper (1), where Tori works for Watlington Brothers, Inc. and Tyler is beginning medical school at UTHSC.

Jake Amos (‘19) and Meghan Wenger were married on June 8, 2025, at Cliffside Acres in Springfield, Ohio. The couple traveled to Sandals South Coast Jamaica for their honeymoon. They now reside in Knoxville, Tennessee, where Jake is on Young Life staff. Meghan graduated from Mount Vernon Nazarene University in Mount Vernon, Ohio, in May 2025 with a bachelor’s degree in Youth and Family Ministry.

Mary Helen Woods (‘20) and Baylor Frazier married on May 31, 2025. They were married at his family’s estate in Corinth, MS, and honeymooned in Mexico. Baylor works as a digital sales specialist at Yellow Hammer News, and Mary Helen is a client services associate for Gallagher Insurance. They live in Birmingham, Alabama.

To update your mailing and email address, tell us your latest news, or share information about an upcoming reunion, please visit usjbruins.org/alumni or contact Elizabeth Atkins, Director of Alumni Relations at eatkins@usjbruins.org or call her at 731-300-3687.

BIRTHS

Clint Sikes (‘04), and his wife Hillary, welcomed Charles “Hayes” Sikes on January 29, 2025. Hayes weighed 7lbs, 11oz, and measured 17 3/4 in long. Clint and his wife Hillary live in the Bellevue area in Nashville.

Ellen Carrington Shelton (‘05) and her husband Cole welcomed a second daughter, Merritt Reese Shelton, on May 1, 2024.

Megan Seals Shaw (‘07) and husband Brooks welcomed a baby girl in August 2024. Willow Brooks Shaw has a proud big sister, Grace Ann. Congratulations, Megan and Brooks!

Katie Graham Bradford (‘07) and her husband Case welcomed their third son, Tyson Case Bradford, on December 20, 2024.

Keely McMahon Argiropoulos (’08) and husband Jack welcomed their first child on February 3, 2025. Kevin O’Neill Argiropoulos weighed 7 lbs 4 oz and was 20 inches long. The family lives in Arlington, VA, where Keely is in her eighth year working for JLL, and Jack owns and runs a metal fabrication company, Precision Architectural Metals.

John Michael Pearson (‘08) and his wife Caroline welcomed daughter Madeline Morgan Pearson on March 11, 2024, weighing 4 lbs, 7 oz, and measuring 16 ½” long. Madeline is the first grandchild of staff member San Pearson.

Camilla Bratton Stringfellow (‘08) and her husband, Ryan, welcomed their daughter

Lauren Jo Stringfellow on November 19, 2024. She joins big sister Emily “Millie” (6) and brother Jayson (4), completing their family. The Stringfellows live in Nashville, where Camilla works in Corporate Partnerships at Vanderbilt University, and Ryan owns a construction and development company.

Rachel Harmon Pinkerton (‘11) and husband Sean welcomed their daughter, Amelia Ann, on February 4, 2025. She weighed 8 lbs, 6 oz and was 19 inches long. They live in Trenton, where Rachel works as a physical therapist, and Sean is a territory manager for US Foods.

Warner Thomas (‘11) and his wife Ashley welcomed a second daughter, Emilia Anne “Mia” Thomas, on July 10, 2025. Mia arrived weighing 7 lbs, 2 oz and measuring 19.5 inches long. Big Sister Charlotte is slowly warming up to her new baby sister. This sweet family resides in Knoxville, where Warner is a Senior Fellow in Oncology/Hematology, and Ashley is a nutritionist who now enjoys being a stay-at-home mom.

Logan Hall Ray (‘12) and husband Gage welcomed their sweet new son, Wells Wright Ray, on February 16, 2025. He weighed 7 lbs and 8 oz and was 19 5/8 inches long. Wells was joyfully welcomed home by proud big brother, Walker. The family recently moved back to Jackson where Gage is the Vice President of Finance at Prosper Realty Group, and Logan works as a senior project manager at RKA Construction.

Andrew Williamson (‘09) and his wife Claire welcomed a second son, Pierce Hamilton Williamson, on March 5, 2025. Proud big brother Landon is so excited to have a little brother! This family lives in Memphis, where Andrew is an attorney, and Claire is a pathologist.

Eric Villarreal (‘10) and his wife welcomed a son, Archer Rae Villarreal, on September 16, 2024.

Tom Butler (’12) and his wife Corrie welcomed their sweet daughter, Margot Dane Butler, on November 10, 2024. She weighed 6 lbs and 13 oz and measured 19 inches long. The family now lives in Jackson, where Tom is in his first year of practicing Orthodontics at FMY, Corrie is an accountant at Sedgwick, and Margot is one of our Baby Bruins!

Benjamin Stuart (’12) and his wife, Olivia, joyfully welcomed their son, Samuel James Stuart, on April 15, 2025, weighing 8 pounds, 12 ounces. The new family of three resides in Southaven, Mississippi, where Ben works as a Senior Revenue Advisor at FedEx, and Olivia serves as a Senior Regulatory Affairs Specialist with Stryker Medical.

Bailey Howell Wells (‘13) and husband Drew welcomed Tucker Alexander Wells on Sept. 23, 2024. Tucker arrived a bit early weighing 7 lb, 8 oz, and measuring 19 inches long.

Anna Garrett Terry (’13) and her husband, Austin, welcomed Calvin Lee “Cal” Terry on March 24, 2025. Cal weighed 6 lbs, 12 oz, and measured 18” long. The family, along with big sister, Alice, 18 months, resides in Jackson, Mississippi.

Powers Spencer (‘13) and his wife, Christine, welcomed their baby girl, Scarlett Reed Spencer, on November 26, 2024. She arrived weighing 7 lbs, 13 oz and measured 19 inches long. Their family lives in Nashville, TN, where Powers works in finance, and Christine is a nurse.

Haley Hall Teer (‘14) and her husband Dr. Jackson Teer (‘12) welcomed their baby girl, Josie Forsythe Teer, on June 6, 2025. She weighed 9 lb, 5 oz and was 19.5 inches long. Josie started in the infant program at USJ this fall. The family recently moved back to Jackson and are excited to be home! Jackson works at Milan Medical Center this fall as a family medicine physician.

Ben Brauss (‘15) and his wife Alice welcomed their daughter, Kelly Elizabeth Brauss, on December 8, 2024. She weighed 7 lbs, 14 oz. The family lives in Bells. They both work in Jackson where Ben serves as Vice President of Sales at his family business, SEB Recycling Solutions, and Alice is a nurse in the Neonatal ICU at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital.

Caroline Stallings Rushing (‘13) and husband Seth welcomed their first child, Seth “Wallace” Rushing, Jr., July 16, 2024. Wallace weighed 7 pounds, 10 ounces and was 18 inches long. The family resides in Brookhaven, Mississippi, where Seth is employed by Trustmark Bank, and Caroline is a practicing speech pathologist with Brookhaven City Schools.

Alex Hollman (’13) and wife Jessica Garland Hollman (’14) are thrilled to announce the arrival of their son, Axel James Hollman, born October 8, 2024. Weighing 7 lbs, 2 oz, Axel is already deeply loved — especially by proud big sister Mia, who is two and a half years old. The Hollmans live in Jackson, where Alex owns and operates his company focused on homebuilding, commercial contracting, and real estate development/brokerage. Jessica is in commercial real estate appraisal.

Emily Sanderson Akin (‘15) and husband Kyle welcomed their sweet girl Amelia James “Mia” Akin on November 6, 2024. She weighed 8 lbs and 6 oz and measured 21 inches long. This family of three lives in East Tennessee, where Emily works as an RN and is a Nurse Practitioner student at ETSU. Kyle is currently selling insurance for State Farm and working on opening his own agency.

Hollen Spencer (‘15) and wife Paige welcomed their son Shepherd Van Spencer on October 16, 2024. Shep came weighing in at 7 lbs 4 oz, and stretching to the length of 21 inches. The family lives in Fayetteville, Arkansas, where they love outdoor sports, cooking, eating, and spending time with friends. Hollen has been working in insurance for seven years, and Paige is a pediatric occupational therapist.

Gram Northern (‘14) and wife Katie welcomed their second child, Amelia “Millie” Grace Northern who arrived on December 6, 2024. She weighed 5 lb, 2oz, and measured 16.5 inches long. Her proud big brother is Michael (2). They live in Bells, where Gram works in inventory with Honeywell, and Katie enjoys being a stay-at-home mom.

Walker Teer (‘15) and his wife Rachel welcomed their first baby girl Eleanor Claire Teer on December 9, 2024. They currently live in Charleston, SC, where they enjoy going to the beach and spending time on the water. They love coming back to Jackson to visit family whenever they can; and a visit isn’t complete without going to Asia Garden, Picasso’s, and Two Sisters Bakery!

Grayson Northern (‘16) and his wife Erica welcomed their first child, Jonah Thomas Northern, on April 18, 2025. He arrived weighing 7 lbs, 13 oz and measured 20.5 inches long. This new family lives in Powell, TN, where Grayson works for Boeing.

Abbey Fleming Floyd (‘17) and husband Tyler Floyd welcomed their sweet daughter Eliza Lynn Floyd on June 20, 2025. She weighed 6 lbs 12 oz and measured 19 inches long.

The family lives in Booneville, MS, where they both practice veterinary medicine.

Maggie Exum Albertson (‘17) and husband Beau Albertson welcomed their precious baby boy Dawson Beau Albertson on October 30, 2024. Dawson weighed 8 lbs, 7 oz and was 19 inches long. The Albertson family recently moved to Memphis, Tennessee, where Beau is transitioning out of the military, and Maggie owns a wedding photography business and stays at home with Dawson.

Alumni Spotlight:

Walter Hudson, IV

Class of 2016

Walter Hudson, IV was born and raised in Jackson, Tennessee, and spent 14 years at USJ, attending from Pre-K through graduation. He now lives in Boca Raton, Florida, where he’s turning a lifelong creative spark into a booming shoe brand.

At USJ, Hudson gravitated toward projects that allowed him to think creatively, especially video assignments. He also found early confidence and drive through hands-on experience in sales, spending two summers selling Cutco Knives, ultimately ranking 31st out of 7,000 salespeople nationwide. That early success fueled his interest in entrepreneurship and business management.

After graduating, he attended the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, earning a degree in Business Marketing with a concentration in Entrepreneurship. It wasn’t until his final semesters that his love for footwear became clear. That passion led to his first venture, Zuki Customs, where he designed and painted custom sneakers. As demand grew online, he began hiring other artists, including fellow USJ alumni, to help fulfill orders.

In 2022, he joined forces with another entrepreneur he met through a national collaboration, and together they launched Kizo Kicks, a custom shoe brand that has now surpassed $3 million in sales.

How did your time at USJ shape your approach to entrepreneurship? He says, ‘‘My experience at USJ helped prepare me for the demands of college and entrepreneurship - especially when it came to managing a heavy workload. School was never easy

Kinsey Price Long (‘19) and husband Garrett welcomed their first baby, Wylder Lynn Long, on September 1, 2024. He weighed 7 lbs and 15 oz and measured 20.5” long.

The family lives in Scotts Hill, where Garrett is an electronic maintenance technician, and Kinsey spends her days at home taking care of Wylder.

for me, and I often had to work harder than many of my peers. That struggle taught me the value of persistence and showed me that hard work can overcome any challenge.’’

What are you most excited about in your work right now? One of the projects he’s most excited about is an upcoming collaboration launching with Zipped Brands, a company that designs adaptive footwear for children with disabilities. As part of the partnership, the company will donate Kizo shoes so that these kids can enjoy functional, stylish footwear tailored to their needs.

Hudson continues to design every pair of shoes in Photoshop, create launch videos, and develop new colorways monthly. “I love what I do and feel extremely blessed and proud of the success of this business.”

“I’m very appreciative of my education and experiences at USJ. The foundation that USJ provided shaped both my personal growth and my professional journey.”

Alumni Spotlight: Caroline Purcell Meinert

Class of 2013

Caroline Meinert’s journey in the arts began in the halls of USJ, where she enrolled in 5th grade and graduated with the Class of 2013. Inspired by older siblings who also attended the school, she quickly found her rhythm in creative spaces - from visual art to musical theatre - and those early passions continue to shape her work today.

As a student, Meinert was drawn to programs that gave her the freedom to express herself. “I participated in choir under the guidance of Dr. Tammy Grant and Dian Eddleman. I loved being part of Pops concerts and musicals like Willy Wonka Jr., The Music Man, and Happy Days,” she recalls. Visual art classes with Anna McPeake also left a lasting impression, “I genuinely appreciated her as a teacher,’’ said Meinert. “I believe her lessons have deepened my love for all art forms. Every time I visit an art museum, I fondly recall her and the inspiring experiences from her classes.”

After graduation, Meinert pursued a BFA in Dance Performance and Choreographic Design, specializing in ballet and modern dance. Her commitment to her craft has led to standout moments, including a performance in Revelations with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts in Kansas City.

Today, Meinert serves as the Artistic Director of Ballet Arts Inc. of Jackson, where she’s now in her sixth season. Under her leadership, the company has grown in both visibility and scope. Ballet Arts now appears in citywide events like Jackson Dancing with the Stars, the International Food and Art Festival, Jackson Arts Council Backstage, and the Jackson Symphony Pops concerts. Additionally, Ballet Arts continues to perform in the longest-running Nutcracker in Tennessee, a spring production, a summer intensive training showcase, and an Academy of Ballet Arts showcase.

One of her proudest accomplishments came last season when she wrote and staged a full-length ballet, Appalachian Spring, in partnership with the Jackson Symphony. Meinert said, “The collaboration between our two organizations for this performance was truly magical and will remain unforgettable for both myself and the dancers.”

In 2023, Ballet Arts moved into a new facility with three professional-grade studios, enabling Meinert to launch the Academy of Ballet Arts.

The Academy of Ballet Arts provides classical dance education for families seeking a more structured and progressive curriculum. It offers classes for ages three and up across various disciplines, including ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, modern, yoga, and adult ballet. The academy has fostered relationships with Ballet Memphis and Collage Dance Collective in Memphis, inviting them to conduct master classes throughout the season. Meinert said, “Our goal has been to provide our dancers with the highest level of professional training to ensure their success in the art form.”

Through it all, Meinert remains closely connected to USJ. Most recently, she began working with the Bruinettes, USJ’s new dance team. “I would have loved to be a part of the Bruinettes during my school days,” said Meinert. “It has been incredibly rewarding to give back to my alma mater and ignite a passion for dance among the students. I eagerly anticipate the bright future that lies ahead for the USJ Bruinettes.”

Meinert credits her time at USJ with instilling a strong sense of professionalism and work ethic, “While I may have taken a less conventional path, it reflects the dedication of the teachers and staff at USJ who emphasize the importance of hard work in achieving success. Furthermore, I feel that USJ fostered a drive for continuous learning and curiosity. As a dance instructor, I have consistently sought to enhance my skills and be the best mentor I can be for my students.”

Alumni Spotlight:

Shea Minnick Prasad

Class of 1997

Shea Minnick Prasad attended USJ from her sophomore through senior year and now resides in Marietta, Georgia, with her husband and their puppy.

During her time at USJ, one teacher stood out as particularly influential: Myriam Borges Thompson. Over three years of studying Spanish with Señora Thompson, Shea discovered not only a talent but a deep love for the language. “She held space for me to excel proudly,” Shea reflects. “The freedom to shine in something I loved and enjoyed meant a great deal to me and encouraged me to compete for and win the Junior Travel Award and the Medal of Excellence from La Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica.

That early high school experience sparked a lifelong passion for language and cultural exploration, eventually shaping her academic and professional path. Prasad went on to earn a degree in Spanish and Portuguese with a minor in French from the University of Texas at Austin and pursued a career in international education and leadership for over two decades.

More recently, Prasad made a creative pivot into the world of interior design. Drawing inspiration from a family tradition rooted in a 1975 Better Homes & Gardens article, she revived the art of Japanese paper dyeing that her mother began as a Christmas tradition. In 2019, that personal craft evolved into a fullfledged design business. Her textile and wallpaper brand, CHEZ SHEA (French for “house of Shea”), is now represented in design showrooms across the U.S., Canada, and Australia. The company was recently featured on MarthaStewart.com and in the House Beautiful 2025 Color Issue. Her textile creations are inspired by the themes of cultural nuance and exploratory travel. They can be viewed at chezsheadesign.com or on instagram at @chezshea.

In Memoriam

James Michael (Mike) Todd (OHA ‘86) passed away peacefully on August 24, 2025, at his home in Jackson, TN.

Mike was born on September 14, 1967, in Winter Park, FL. He was the son of James D. and Jeanie Todd of Jackson, TN.

Mike grew up in Altamonte Springs, FL, Memphis, TN, and Jackson, TN. He attended Jackson TN public schools through the eighth grade. He graduated from Old Hickory Academy (now University School of Jackson) in 1986. Mike attended Forest Heights Methodist Church and was active in Young Life. He participated in sports at Old Hickory Academy, playing basketball, baseball, and soccer. His senior year he received the Outstanding Athlete Award.

Mike attended Middle Tennessee State University and Lambuth College. He worked for USAirways and later became a City of Jackson firefighter.

Mike is survived by his loving parents and his beloved sister Julie Todd Hurbis, brother-in-law Paul Hurbis, and his nephew Ben Hurbis, all of Jackson, TN.

Mike was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Jeanette and James Todd of Lexington, TN, his maternal grandparents, Evelyn and Paul McGee of Jackson, TN, his cousin, Amanda Maness of Lexington, TN, and his maternal aunt, Linda McGee Clayton of Jackson, TN.

Memorials for Mike may be made to Youth Town, 3641 Youth Town Road, Pinson, TN 38366.

Billie Ruth Prudhon (former USJ Middle School Director),“Rutie” to her family, a beloved educator and cherished family member, passed away peacefully on September 18, 2024, in Jackson, Tennessee, surrounded by her loved ones in her home. Born on April 8, 1943, in Clarksdale, Mississippi, Ruth’s spirit shined brightly throughout her 81 years of life, leaving a legacy that will long be remembered.

She was born to the late Hugh Tabb McDade and Juadine Middleton McDade and preceded in death by her brother David “Butch” McDade (Leslie). Ruth earned her BA degree in Elementary Education from Maryville College, and a MA degree from the University of Memphis in Education Administration. This showed her commitment to lifelong learning and her desire to provide the best for her students.

Ruth’s journey in education began in 1965, when she took her first steps into the classroom as a first-grade teacher in Knox County, TN. Her commitment to nurturing young minds was evident from the start, as she became one of the pioneering teachers involved in the Head Start program. Ruth’s career took her to the heart of child development, where she dedicated her life to shaping the future of countless children. She later continued her impactful work in Maryville, TN, at Flo Alexander’s Preschool.

With an unyielding passion for education, Ruth made another significant move in 1972, this time to Parkway Village Preschool, and then to Buntyn Presbyterian School

in Memphis, TN. Her journey continued in Memphis at Woodland Presbyterian School, where she served as Assistant Headmaster. From there, her vocation continued at Lausanne Collegiate School as Lower School Director. However, the pinnacle of her administrative career came as the Middle School Director of the University School of Jackson, a role she embraced until her retirement in 2007.

She loved music, especially 50’s Rock & Roll and Country. A spirited sports enthusiast, she passionately supported both the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Tennessee Volunteers, often engaging in spirited discussions about their latest games.

More than her myriad accomplishments, Ruth took immense pride in her family, which she treasured above all else. Their happiness and well-being was her greatest achievement. She was profoundly proud of each member of her family, who always brought her joy and purpose. She loved spontaneous drives in the country with Red listening to music, trips to the Smoky Mountains with family, and the Polar Plunge at Perdido Key to celebrate the New Year. Ruth was the consummate counselor, mentor, motivator, and confidante to countless individuals throughout her life.

Left to cherish her memory is her loving devoted husband of 63 years, Rolland A.”Red” Prudhon, Jr.; cherished children, Rolland A. “Rusty” Prudhon, III, Pamela Burnette (Chuck), and Patrick Prudhon (Sarah); grandchildren, Brendan Day Wrice (Allison), Mackenzie Cade Wright, Margaret “Maggie” Grace Burnette, Lillian Ruth Burnette, and Etta Louise Prudhon; sister, Jane Monroe (Benny); nephew Gabriel McDade; and nieces, Missy Dowell, Amy Monroe, and Caralie McDade.

Ruth’s legacy is one of love, dedication, kindness, and a steadfast commitment to uplifting those around her. Ruth Prudhon will forever be remembered as a beacon of light in the lives of all who had the privilege to know her.

Joseph Allen Grace, Jr., (former USJ staff member) known to family and friends as Joe, passed away peacefully on October 16, 2024, at the age of 66. Born on September 23, 1958, in Jackson, TN, Joe was the beloved son of Frances Young Grace Richardson and the late Joseph Allen Grace, Sr.

Joe proudly dedicated his career to the University School of Jackson, where he retired as a Maintenance Supervisor after many years of faithful service. His commitment to his work was matched only by the love he showed his family and friends. Camo Joe, as many remember him, was a craftsman creating custom duck calls for friends, family, and his duck hunting community. Those who were blessed to have one will cherish it forever as Joe cherished those relationships with each and every one.

In addition to his father, Joe was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Crystal Grace; his stepfather, James Richardson; and his parents-in-law, Gerald Parish, Sr. and Joe Hilda Parish.

Joe leaves behind his devoted wife, Lesa Parish Grace, with whom he shared a lifetime of love and partnership. He is also survived by his cherished daughter, Amy Dove (Ricky); his grandchildren, Hailey Dove Maness (Dakota) and Justin Dove (Eryn); his mother, Frances Richardson; and his brother, Jimmy Richardson (Debra), along with many other family members and friends who will forever hold his memory close to their hearts. Joe’s warmth, kindness, and dedication to his family will be remembered by all who knew him. He will be deeply missed, but his legacy of love and service will live on in the hearts of those who had the privilege to know him.

Joe Wallace Sills (‘01), a devoted husband, father, son, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 28, 2025, at the age of 42. Born on November 4, 1982, in Brownsville, TN. Joe Wallace was well-known for his unwavering commitment to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, his family, and friends. A visitation in Joe Wallace’s honor will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, followed by a memorial service starting at 12:00 PM at the Brownsville Funeral Home, located at 107 S Lafayette Ave, Brownsville, TN 38012.

A proud graduate of the University School of Jackson, Joe Wallace furthered his education by earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Tennessee at Martin before embarking on a successful career as an estimator for Collision Specialists in Jackson, TN. His work ethic, coupled with his ‘‘Get ‘er done’’ attitude, made him a respected and dependable figure in his field.

Joe Wallace was a man of many interests. First and foremost, Joe Wallace was the spiritual leader of his family. He was an active member of Brownsville Baptist Church. He found joy in spending time in his shop, restoring old cars and trucks, and he often participated in car shows and attended tractor shows, where he shared his love for these classic machines. He also enjoyed shooting guns, always embracing his hobbies with zeal. His light-hearted spirit shone through in his love for telling jokes and making those around him laugh, leaving a memorable impact on all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Joe Wallace was deeply loved by those he held dear. He is survived by his cherished wife, Amanda Sills, their three beloved children, whom he lovingly referred to as his «savages,» son Wallace Ford Sills and daughters AveryGrace Lynn Sills and Clara Rains Sills, and his mother, Carol Beck Sills, all of Brownsville, TN. Additionally, he is survived by his father and mother-in-law, James Ray and Nancy Lynn Floyd of Brighton, TN.

Joe Wallace was predeceased by his beloved father, Timothy Rains Sills, Sr., and brother, Timothy Rains Sills, Jr., as well as his paternal grandparents, Mr. & Mrs. Joe Wallace Sills, and his maternal grandparents, Charles and Helen Lee and Bill Beck.

His legacy will live on in the laughter and love he shared, his dedicated spirit, and the countless memories left with family and friends. Joe’s kindness and attentiveness to everyone he met, alongside his fondness for basset hounds and his cherished Diet Mountain Dews, will always be remembered.

As we remember Joe Wallace Sills, let us celebrate a life devoted to family, laughter, and the simple joys that made his existence remarkable. The family requests that memorials be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516 or the Gary Sinise Foundation, Gift Processing Center, P.O. Box 1858, Merrifield, VA 22116.

Gloria “Dianne” Shugart Taylor (former OHA faculty member), age 78, died after a long, courageous battle with cancer on October 28, 2024, at her residence with her husband and children by her side. She was born on October 12, 1946, in Phoenix, Arizona. She was the daughter of Pauline and Calvin Levi Shugart and the granddaughter of Will and Daisy Jowers. She graduated from Lexington High School in 1964, where she held many honors, including Head Majorette and Drum Majorette, Class Favorite, and Football Princess. She attended Union University from 1964-1967, receiving her B.A. Degree in 3 ½ years. While there, she was a member of the Chi Omega Fraternity. She married Charles P. Taylor, Sr., in December 1965.

Following graduation from Union University, Dianne taught different grade levels at Malesus Elementary and Old Hickory Academy. She later supported her husband in his business ventures, serving in many capacities. Dianne was a member of the Jackson Cotillion Club, Jackson Service League, Chair of the Old Hickory Academy Holiday Mart, and Chair of the Battle Ground Academy Jamboree in Franklin. While in Jackson, she and her husband were members of the First United Methodist Church and later the Forest Hills Methodist Church of Brentwood and the Parsons Methodist Church.

Playing the game of Bridge with friends and traveling were some of her favorite hobbies. Some of her other hobbies included being an active member of the Garden Club, Book Club of Parsons, and Explorer’s Bible Study. Her travels included several European countries, New Zealand, Australia, China, Japan, and about every island in the Caribbean. She was an avid sports fan following her favorite teams including the Tennessee Vols, Tennessee Titans and the New York Yankees. Spending time with her bridge club friends, grandchildren, and Tennessee River activities at her river house were her most fond pastimes.

Dianne is survived by her husband, Charles P. Taylor, Sr. of 58 years, formerly of Jackson and now resident of Parsons, TN, her son, Chip Taylor (Patty) of Franklin, TN daughter, Holly Coffman (Chris) of Newnan, GA and grandchildren Zach Taylor (Carrie) of Chattanooga, TN, Alec Taylor of Naples, FL and Tyler Coffman and Lauren Coffman of Newnan, GA. Please update your mailing and email address with us! To tell us your latest news or to recieve information about an upcoming reunion, please visit usjbruins.org/alumni or contact Elizabeth Atkins, Director of Alumni Relations at eatkins@usjbruins.org, or call her at 731-300-3687.

ANNUAL REPORT OF GIVING 2024 - 2025

A Message From The Development Committee Chair

Dear USJ Family,

USJ holds a special place in my heart—and in my family’s story. I’m a proud graduate of the Class of 2000, and my wife, Damini, and I are now raising the next generation of Bruins with our daughters Shaila (7th), Saiya (5th), and Zara (2nd), all current USJ students.

It’s an honor to introduce myself as the new Development Chair for the University School of Jackson. I’m humbled and excited to partner with the amazing families, faculty, alumni, and supporters who make this community so strong.

USJ’s legacy of academic excellence, leadership, and character is made possible by generous families like yours. Thank you.

Together, we’ve raised over $9.3 million through the Imagine More Campaign, grown our endowment beyond $2 million, and seen the Fund for Excellence surpass $430,000 this year—with 100% faculty participation. That speaks volumes about our shared belief in USJ’s mission. Family giving is also growing, with 68 Legacy Society members and 24 Founders Society members—and we believe 100% family participation is within reach.

USJ exists today because families before us gave generously. If you’ve supported us before, thank you. If not, I invite you to join in shaping our future—every gift makes a difference. Thank you for your support. I’m proud to serve this remarkable community and excited for what’s ahead.

Thank you and Go Bruins!

Ajay Patel USJ Development Chair

Lady Bruins Softball Renovation Benefactors

$100,000+

Bruins Club

$50,000+

Parents Club

$25,000+

Whitney & John Overton

Kathryn & Johnny Tucker

$10,000+

Jennifer & Mark Bateman

Caroline & Jeb Campbell

Britnee & Will Dement

Beth & Todd Haltom

Cecilia & Stephen Hammond

Staci & Casey Rushing

Cynthia & Matt Thomson

Lauren & Chip Trammell

$5,000+

Suzanne & Chris Dement

Melanie & Matt Fite

Meredith & Jeff Fuller

Charli & John Gorman

Beth & Doug Haltom

Anna & Jon Murray Haltom

$2,500+

Terri & Chris Crider

Cayce & Johnny Davis

Judy Murray

$1,000+

Celia & Josh Allen

Karen & Russ Ellis

Lindsay & Jeremy Brady

Liz & Greg Nichols

$500+

Christin & Chris Gray

Sarah & Chuck Jones

Abbey & Grant Studebaker

$250+

Alexis & Jim Halbrook

Erin & Alex Hall

Ed Haltom

Allison & Michael Prater

Kim & Michael Raines

Phyllis & Brad Sigler

Jennifer & Andy West

$100+

Ashley & Joel Ayers

Erica & Bradley Davidson

“We meet the needs of the students by meeting the needs of the teachers.”

-Former USJ Head of School, Don Coffey

Don Coffey Honored With Endowment Fund

The name Don Coffey undoubtedly brings to mind an era of strong leadership and lasting impact at the University School of Jackson. As Head of School, he guided his team with the simple yet powerful motto: “Work hard. Be nice.” His servant leadership helped lay the foundation for the success we continue to build upon today.

Those who served on the Board of Trustees during his tenure witnessed his dedication firsthand. Under his leadership from 1994–2001 and again in 2006, USJ experienced record enrollment growth and unified its Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools on one campus. He believed, above all, that “you meet the needs of the students by meeting the needs of the teachers.”

In recognition of his remarkable service, the Board of Trustees has unanimously voted to rename the school’s general endowment as The Don Coffey Endowment Fund. This fund will support key areas such as faculty compensation, student financial aid, and the school’s annual operations—ensuring the vitality of USJ well into the future.

Following the success of our $9 million Imagine More Capital Campaign and record-breaking Annual Giving participation, we are now focused on strengthening our long-term financial foundation through a robust reserve and growing endowment.

We invite you to honor his legacy by making a meaningful contribution to The Don Coffey Endowment Fund. Upon receiving your gift, we will notify Mr. Coffey and his wife, Pat, so they may know of your thoughtful support.

Thank you for your continued commitment to USJ and for the vital role you’ve played in shaping its future.

24-25 Fund for Excellence

Visionary Society ($10,000+)

Anonymous

Anonymous

Anonymous

Bruins Club

Caroline & Jeb Campbell

Melanie & Matt Fite

Paige & Benjamin Hays

Camille & Ralph Jones

Staci & Casey Rushing

Snider Equipment, LLC

Brittney & Tripp Tucker

Founders Society ($5,000+)

Anonymous

Anonymous

Kayla Young & Nicolas Arcuri

Jodi & Mike Barker

Ali & Brandon Buchanan

Natalie & R.E. Butts

Carrie Brown & Nick Campbell

Andrea & Wayne Driggers

Lee & Todd Driver

Lolly & Stephen Eldridge

Lisa & Michael Farris

Alyson & Zac Fite

Courtney & Jason Goolsby

Cecilia & Stephen Hammond

Deirdre & Kevin Hatcher

Brenda & Ricky King

Misty & James Kirkland

Carol & Ron Kirkland

Susan & Joshua LeFevre

Betsy & Brad Little

Molly & Wesley Richardson

Staci & Casey Rushing

Carla & Mike Schmitt

Lauren & Chip Trammell

Sara Jane & Ruste Via

Jennifer & John Whybrew

Legacy Society ($2,500+)

Celia & Josh Allen

Kristin & Jared Alvey

Shelly & Spence Barnes

Jennifer & Mark Bateman

Gari & Shaun Brown

Melinda & Roger Cook

Jamie & Scott Davenport

Amanda & Pearce Deaton

Katherine & Bill Dement

Britnee & Will Dement

Heather & Michael Dolan

Brooke & Clint Dorris

Amy & Brian Dougan

Lynn & Jimmy East

Holly & Ben Ferguson

Debbie & Buster Ferguson

Haley & Clay Goodrich

Laura & Ty Goodrich

Corrie & Mike Halas

Katie & Joey Hale

Beth & Doug Haltom

Brittany & Alex Hicks

Julie & Hunter Hooper

Dana & Brett Hunt

Melissa & Jason Hutchison

Danna & Charley Jerman

Erica & Curt King

Magen & Carson Kisner

Alexis & Andrew Long

Andrea & Dusty Mays

Sarah & Casey McGehee

Mary Jane & Michael McWherter

Julie & Brent Messer

Allison & Preston Miller

Julia & Mark Montgomery

Rachel & Brent Morris

Ruth Ann Morrison

Blair & Andrew Myers

Damini & Ajay Patel

Tina & Neil Patel

Rachel & Bob Payne

Ava & Adam Pogue

Amy & Stan Ragon

Marlie & Jamie Richardson

Marcy & Read Ronk

Molly & Ryan Roy

Chana & Alan Sallee

Jessica & Graham Salonus

Katie & Todd Seabrook

Brittney & Matt Sellers

Sarah & Chad Shankle

Brenda & Bob Smith

Kendra & Justin Smith

Gina & Todd Smith

Keata & Jason Snider

Southern Electric & Controls, LLC

Martha Carol & Blake Spellings

Sandra & Freddy Teague

Ashley & Trey Teague

Sharyn & Chuck Thompson

Kathryn & Johnny Tucker

Alison & Chris Weaver

Amy & Pierce White

Allison & Joshua Whitledge

Kati & Stephen Wilks

Adriene & Martin Williams

Hannah & Lee Yandell

Faculty Founders ($2,000)

Elizabeth & Kyle Atkins

Becky & Brent Baskin

Sherri & Chris Brauss

Laura & Bryan Byrd

Jamie & David Creech

Karen & Russ Ellis

Anna & Lanier English

Leah & Adrian Hackett

Adair & Jim Hardegree

Theresa & Randy Olswing

Katie & Derrick Pritchard

Melinda & Don Roe

David Suber

Red & Blue Society ($1,000+)

Abby & Adeyinka Agbetoyin

Alexis & Rick Allison

Elizabeth Dixson-Tunstill

Suzanne & Joey Geter

Lynn & William Harmon

Brittany & Logan Harris

Kimberly & Kevin Hunley

Kristi & Justin Johnson

Holly & Gary Johnson

BethAnn & Jonathon Jones

Ann & Scott Keyl

King Tire Co.

Molly & Eric Lee

Amanda & Jeremy Little

Kristen Londe

Pfizer Foundation / Matching Gifts Program

Alexandra & Preston Powell

Carmen & Jamie Simeon

Lisa & Randy Terry

John Weston

Faculty Legacy ($1,000)

Anonymous

Allison & Michael Badgett

Kelly & Steve Breazeale

Courtney & Timothy Burnette

Robert Clyce

Erica & Bradley Davidson

Kathy & Keith Davis

Caroline & Casey Dill

Leslie & Matt Garrett

Mary Ann & Chris Giampapa

Annie & Miller Hayes

Sarah & Chuck Jones

Margaret & Travis Livingston

Mallory & William Parker

Tina & Randy Plunk

Leslie & David Scott

Regina & Eric Sills

Kelsey & Logan Smith

Gina & David Smith

Jayme & Justin Spencer

Pam & Daniel Stanfield

Kim & Tim Wehner

Courtney & Austin Winn

Leadership Society ($500+)

Tausha & Harbert Alexander

Teresa & Richard Ayers

Mallory & Chris Bell

Betsy & Brad Biggs

Emily & Jeffrey Brasfield

Jenny & Hunter Clement

Molly & Danny Cole

Roger Cook

Terri & Chris Crider

Abby & Jon Ellis

Natalie & Worth Eubanks

Summer & Barry Ferguson

Autumn & Hunter Fincher

Mary & Michael Goodwin

McKinley & Brent Hatcher

Lauren & Jimmy Henson

Marti & Rodney Hines

Teryn & Ben Howard

Kelly & Hunter Johnston

Haley & Justin Jones

Rebecca Lilienstern

Alisa & Geoffrey Lindley

Bradley Lindsey

Karen Morganti

Tiffany & Barry Nabours

Boyd Richards

Melessa & Blake Sain

Heather & Matt Shelton

State Farm Companies Foundation

Catherine & Trey Teel

Karen & David Welch

Lori & Bradley Williams

Bruin Society ($250+)

Courtney & Joshua Schwimer

Cori & Jason Rose

Adyasha & Manish Agrawal

Celia & Josh Allen

Lindsay & Jeremy Brady

Lauralee & Tripp Hise

AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP

Jordan & Thomas Baudo

Tim Castellaw

Brittney & Brandon Churchill

Lauren & William Dabney

Elizabeth & Ben Davis

Zsaneka & Bart Horton

Gary Hubbard

Elizabeth & Will Johnson

Jenna & Chris King

Roberta & Bill Milam

Hunt & Houston Payne

San & Mike Pearson

April & Matthew Pickle

Brooke & Thomas Pugh

Shelley & Payton Redden

Alicia & Andrew Russell

Haley & Brian Short

Whitney & Dan Sikes

Todd Siroky

Stacey & Dennis Slagle

Emily & Nathan Smith

Santrisa Spates

Anna & Timothy Surratt

Hayley & Chris Wilkerson

Sandra & Matthew Wright

Support Partner (up to $249)

Amber & Jonathan Allen

Fania & Andrew Amburn

Janessa & Jonathan Anderson

Jill Appleton

Tanner Atkins

Ashley & Joel Ayers

Caroline & Dennis Ballentine

Theresa & Evan Barnett

Sarah & Todd Bateman

Casey & Lee Berry

Leah & Clint Blackburn

Farzaneh Kaveh & Hamid Bonakdar

Emma Lee Bond

Louanne & King Bond

Becky & David Botter

Angie & Brad Box

Kathy & Eugene Brandt

Stacy Bronec

Holly Brown

Marion Burch

Mary Katherine & Nate Busuito

Adora & Oliver Butler

Laurie & Ricky Butler

Blake Butler

Stephanie Butler

Caroline & Colton Butler

Krystal Butler

Kellie & Brian Byrd

Jacqueline & David Carias-Ferguson

Joyce Carimi

Hayes Carney

Karlie & Jake Carroll

Amy & Robert Carter

Bubba & Ann Cates

Carrie Cates

Lisa & Robert Cates

Sarah & Lloyd Champagne

Judy & Mike Cobb

April & Paul Conway

Kendall Cooper Thompson

Jennifer & Christopher Covellis

Jennifer Craig

Shanice & Richard Creasy

Elizabeth & Rob Croom

Hillary & Tim Dalton

Heather Daniel

Trinity Day

Jenny & Chesley Dennison

Megan & Bryan Dennison

Martha & Tom Dolinak

Hope & Sawyer Duffey

Philip Dunn

Hannah & Jordan East

Hailey & Michael Eldridge

Heather & James Ellis

Ella & Keifer Engles

Marilyn Everett

Kimberlee & Rollin Fair

Mario Figueroa

Pam & Paul Finney

Sandra Fortin

Logan Fortner

Anderson Fortune

April & Ryan Foster

Sophia & Joseph Fouche

Nikki Freeland

Karen & Ryan Freeman

Mary Lou Garcia

April & Alex Garey

Marty Garner

Laura & Danny Giles

Kathy & Victor Giovanetti

Julie & Jimmy Glosson

Christie & Scott Golden

Crystal & Shaun Goldie

Keli & Lewis Gooch

Charli & John Gorman

Tammy & Tom Grant

Lauren & Jeremy Green

Hannah Gregory

Danice Haltom

Mary Claire Hancock

Melissa & Mark Carson Harris

Jared Heldenbrand

Regina & Khayyan Henning

Megan Holt & Scott Hernandez

Sally Hicks

Nikki & Billy Hight

Elizabeth & Andy Hoffman

Kristin & Patrick Horner

Lori & Joey Howell

Clark Hubbard

Pamela Hudson

Carolyn & Sam Hunley

Kristen & William Hutchinson

Shilpa & Prasann Jinturkar

Kristi & Justin Johnson

Morgan & Taylor Johnson

Janice & Gary Jones

Teala & Jeffrey Jones

Brittany Jones

Carmeda & Joey Keen

Christy Kelley

Ashley & Brandon Kilburn

Meg & Bryce King

Juliana Kyzar

Julie & Clinton Lafferty

Emily & Aaron Lambert

Lindsey Langford

Leslie & Lane Lewis

Carol Jan & Bill Liles

Alex Londe

Debby & Alan Long

Pamela Long

Ashley & Ben Lovell

Elizabeth & Steve Maloan

Clare & George Markos

Lisa & Mickey Marley

Hallie & Casey McCallum

Heidi McDaniel

Janaina McFarlin

Jenny & Marvin McKenzie

Lori & Mike McKinnie

Ann McLemore

Delisa & Jason McNair

Anna & Kinny McPeake

Kimberly & Brian Melton

Preston Miller IV

Amy & Gregg Mitchell

Mary Ann & Mike Montgomery

Laura & Baker Moore

Megan & Chris Moore

Jacki & Keith Moran

Emily & Greg Morris

Rachel & Tyler Mosley

Anna Lee-Mulay & Shree Mulay

Tiffany & Spencer Nelson

Mandeep & Navtej Nerwal

Ginger & John New

Tham Le & Kevin Nguyen

Nick Nichols

Sally & David Norville

Krista & Randall O’Daniel

Hillary & Jake Overbey

Summer & Richard Paris

Jasmika & Sanjay Patel

Rachel & Mason Peters

Sarah & Kyle Pettigrew

Cathey & John Phillips

Rachel & Drew Phillips

Haley & Christopher Pickerell

Jamie & Matt Pledger

Jaydin & Jake Plunk

Paige & Tommy Potts

Marissa & Keenan Powell

Amy & Bob Ragon

Rah Rahs

Kim & Rob Rainey

Jane Ramer

Loretta Reasons

Amy Reeves

Jennifer & Jeff Rice

Tiffany & Patrick Roberts

Sally & Jim Rogers

Jessica & Michael Ross

Maegan & Alan Rothrock

Anita & Robert Roy

Molly & Ryan Roy

Carol & Phillip Ryan

Jennifer & Bob Sammons

Curt Sammons

Denise & Samuel Santos

Shannon Scarbrough

Fransiska & Adam Scherer

Amber Schultz

Dawn & Michael Schwartz

Wendy Scott

Kay & Butch Shearin

Julie & Vance Shoaf

Marley Skelton

Jonathan Smith

Tonya & Garrison Smith

Beth & Shannon Smith

Angela Smith

Kandi & Hunter Smith

Amber & Tate Smith

Smith’s Floor Covering

Renee & Nick Stamper

Carolyn & Brian Stephenson

Joanna & Russ Stoots

Tracey & Taylor Sullivan

Edna & Jim Tankersley

Betty Ann & John Tanner

Carleigh & Ben Taylor

Alisha Terry

Tammie & Edgar Trinidad

Barbara & Justin Turner

Shonda & Ben Vargason

Katie Price-Verdell & Joshua Verdell

Rachel & Caleb Vivio

Erin Wagner

Justine Walker

Bo Wallace

Kalyn Ward

Patricia & Jim Watson

Alissa & Jeff Wells

Mary Jane & Jesse Wheeler

Shannon & Ronald Whisenant

Nicholas & Kelly Wiggins

Martha Jo & Duke Williams

Jill & Justin Williams

Kelly & Kyle Williams

Meg & Clay Wilson

Vicki & Greg Wilson

Rachel & Travius Winfrey

Nylah Woods

Lindsey & Casey Wright

Jill & Darren Wyatt

Lauren & Drew Yancey

24-25 Fund for Excellence Designations, Honoraria, and Memorials

Miscellaneous

Christy Kelley in honor of Don Roe

Smith’s Floor Covering for the Class of 2026

Melanie & Matt Fite for Facilities

Karen Morganti in memory of Tyler Morganti

Ginger & John New in memory of Nancy Gurley

Julie & Vance Shoaf in honor of Coach Aaron Ingalls

Ashley & Trey Teague in honor of Lindsey & Casey Wright

Brick Project

Rah-Rahs Retired Teachers/Staff in memory of Joe Grace in memory of Ruth Prudhon

Angela Smith in honor of Randy Olswing

Technology/STEAM

Caroline & Jeb Campbell

Lower School

Edna & Jim Tankersley for Library

Holly & Gary Johnson in honor of Lauren Smith, Alexis Allison, & Adriana Thomson

Camille & Ralph Jones for Jones Academic Center

Ava & Adam Pogue for LS Science Lab & LS STEAM Lab

Alumni Scholarship

Brady Smith

Catherine & Trey Teel

Rob Platt Scholarship

Jane Ramer

Janice Ann Baldwin Scholarship Derriell Springfield

Upper School

Ann McLemore

Library, in memory of Dr. Bob Patrick

Jane Ramer Science

Middle School

Emma Lee Bond

Martha & Tom Dolinak in honor of Emily Bond Morris

Kay & Butch Shearin in memory of Ruth Prudhon

Athletics – Boys’ Basketball

Locker Room

Molly & Danny Cole

Lee & Todd Driver

Suzanne & Joey Geter

Beth & Doug Haltom

Teryn & Ben Howard

Kimberly & Kevin Hunley

Ann & Scott Keyl

Amanda & Jeremy Little

Delisa & Jason McNair

Allison & Preston Miller

Amy & Gregg Mitchell

Hunt & Houston Payne

Rachel & Bob Payne

Shelley & Peyton Redden

Snider Equipment, LLC

Southern Electric & Controls, LLC

Jayme & Justin Spencer

Lisa & Randy Terry

Sara Jane & Ruste Via

Athletics – Girls’ Basketball

Locker Room

Haley & Clay Goodrich

Deirdre & Kevin Hatcher

Erica & Curt King

Brenda & Ricky King

King Tire Co.

Sarah & Casey McGehee

Sarah & Chad Shankle

Carmen & James Simeon

University School of Jackson in memory of Sandra McElhiney

Athletics

Celia & Josh Allen for Baseball

Roger Cook for Baseball

Pam & Paul Finney

Charli & John Gorman for Baseball

Paige & Ben Hays

Carol Jan & Bill Liles for Baseball

Cathey & John Phillips in memory of Joe Phillips

Staci & Casey Rushing for Football

Snider Equipment, LLC

Brittney & Tripp Tucker

Adriene & Martin Williams for Baseball

Security

Anonymous

Heather & Michael Dolan

Gifts-in-Kind

Elizabeth & Steve Maloan for Lower School Pond

Smith’s Floor Covering for Boys’ Basketball Locker Room

Denise & Gregory Stuart for LS Science Lab

The 7th Annual Bruins Booster Classic a Smashing Success!

USJ Boosters hit the links on Monday, May 19, 2025, at the Humboldt Golf and Country Club for the 7th Annual Bruins Booster Golf Classic. This year’s scramble featured 20 spirited teams, all coming together for friendly competition, camaraderie, and a great cause—supporting the Bruins Club and its mission to equip USJ coaches and student-athletes for success.

The tournament raised over $20,000, a remarkable achievement that directly benefits our athletic programs. As Tournament Chair Jonathan Campbell shared, “The money is great and funds a variety of requests from USJ coaches, but the event is also about fellowship—coming together and celebrating the institution we love.” He added, “With more than 70% of our students participating in at least one sport, the impact of this tournament is earth-moving.”

Looking ahead, the 8th Annual Bruins Booster Golf Classic will return to the newly renovated Jackson Country Club in May 2026. A huge thank you to our sponsors, players, and supporters who continue to make this event a hole-in-one success!

At the End of the Day…

Giving Back is Really about Gratitude.

Our family supports USJ because this community means so much to us. I’m a proud alum (Class of ’99), and now Rowan (5th grade) and Scout (2nd grade) are building their own memories here. It’s been amazing to see how much the school has shaped all of our lives.

We feel fortunate to be part of such a strong, supportive community — and giving back is just one way we can say thank you. We also believe that a great school requires the support of its families to keep growing and creating the best possible experience for every student. Our donations go toward the programs, resources, and dedicated staff that make USJ so special, and we want to help make sure our girls — and all their classmates — have everything they need to reach their full potential.

This year, Alyson and I are honored to serve as Founders Society Chairs. The Founders Society is made up of families who believe deeply in USJ’s mission and are committed to investing in its future while fostering a strong culture of giving.

By joining the Founders Society, you’re not only supporting today’s students — you’re also contributing to the USJ Endowment, helping ensure the long-term financial strength of the school. It’s more than a gift — it’s a meaningful investment in the future of USJ, and we’re proud to be part of it.

Go Bruins, The Fites

7th Annual Teleparty Brings New Donors to the Table; Gives Valuable Life Skills to Students

The 7th Annual USJ Teleparty took place over two nights (November 12-13, 2024) at the Idea Factory in downtown Jackson. The Event, which began in the Fall of 2018, has now become a juggernaut for the USJ Annual Fund, aka The Fund for Excellence (FFE). The FFE is an avenue of annual giving that supports budget items that tuition doesn’t cover. It also ensures that our teachers, coaches, and administrators have the best resources at their disposal.

On night number one, current parent and grandparents called, with student callers taking over the phones on night two. The combined effort of both nights pushed the FFE into record territory for yet another year. As of printing, current parent giving was near 57% and total dollars raised have eclipsed $425,000. As Assistant Director of Development and Alumni Relations Director, Elizabeth Atkins stated, “These are special nights, when you see all generations of the USJ family pull together in support of our school. The dollars given are amazing, as is the fellowship.”

Special thanks to all of our volunteers, parents, grandparents, and students who volunteered to call. Also, a big shout to Thomas Pugh, the local Zaxby’s Franchisee who donated all the delicious food for both nights!

24-25 Super Boosters & Corporate Sponsors

Corporate Sponsors

Emily & James Carpenter

Summer & Barry Ferguson

Mary & Michael Goodwin

MG Construction Company, LLC

Ashley & Lee Nicholson

Julie & Clay Porter

Brooke & Thomas Pugh

Shelley & Payton Redden

Fransiska & Adam Scherer

Super Boosters

Amber & Jonathan Allen

Carolyn & Winfred Allen

Celia & Josh Allen

Kristin & Jared Alvey

Cindy & Jimmy Anderson

Vanity Anglin

Kayla Young & Nicolas Arcuri

Elizabeth & Kyle Atkins

Allison & Michael Badgett

Edwina & Ken Barber

Jodi & Mike Barker

Kelly & David Barnes

Shelly & Spence Barnes

Theresa & Evan Barnett

Chancelor Baskerville

Becky & Brent Baskin

Sarah & Todd Bateman

Jennifer & Mark Bateman

Mallory & Chris Bell

Betsy & Brad Biggs

Paige & Brent Bledsoe

Sandra & Mike Bledsoe

Jane & Tommy Blount

Diane & David Boling

Becky & David Botter

Lindsay & Jeremy Brady

Emily & Jeff Brasfield

Sherri & Chris Brauss

Kelly & Steve Breazeale

Molly & Jason Britt

Gari & Shaun Brown

Ali & Brandon Buchanan

Courtney & Tim Burnette

Dana & Jay Bush

Natalie & R.E. Butts

Peggy & Jerry Byrd

Laura & Bryan Byrd

Caroline & Jeb Campbell

Brianne & Charlie Campbell

Martha & Jonathan Campbell

Carrie Brown & Nick Campbell

Kay & Robert Carney

Bubba & Ann Cates

Lisa & Robert Cates

Jenny & Hunter Clement

Robert Clyce

Molly & Danny Cole

Nancy & David Comperry

Melinda & Roger Cook

Jennifer & Christopher Covellis

Jamie & David Creech

Terri & Chris Crider

Elizabeth & Rob Croom

Dot Cupples

Jamie & Scott Davenport

Elizabeth & Luke David

Erica & Bradley Davidson

Kathy & Keith Davis

Cayce & Johnny Davis

Amanda & Pearce Deaton

Betsy & Alan Dement

Katherine & Bill Dement

Britnee & Will Dement

Jenny & Chesley Dennison

Caroline & Casey Dill

Sue & Joe Dolan

Heather & Michael Dolan

Brooke & Clint Dorris

Starla & Eddie Dougan

Amy & Brian Dougan

Lee & Todd Driver

Laura & Russ Duck

Philip Dunn

Lynn & Jimmy East

Dianne & Chip Edwards

Lolly & Stephen Eldridge

Katy & Woody Ellis

Karen & Russ Ellis

Ella & Keifer Engles

Anna & Lanier English

Ginger & Adam English

Beverly & Pat English

Lisa English

Kimberlee & Rollin Fair

Lisa & Michael Farris

Sarah & Dewayne Faulkner

Holly & Ben Ferguson

Debbie & Buster Ferguson

Pam & Paul Finney

Melanie & Matt Fite

Alyson & Zac Fite

Laura & Jacob Ford

April & Ryan Foster

Marisa Pirraglia & Greg Franz

Meredith & Ryan Franz

Karen & Ryan Freeman

Leslie & John French

Emily & Tyler Gamble

David Garey

Kara & Ben Garrett

Leslie & Matt Garrett

Alissa & Andrew Gay

Suzanne & Joey Geter

Mary Ann & Chris Giampapa

Christie & Scott Golden

Haley & Clay Goodrich

Laura & Ty Goodrich

Courtney & Jason Goolsby

Charli & John Gorman

Christin & Chris Gray

Leah & Adrian Hackett

Corrie & Mike Halas

Katie & Joey Hale

Erin & Alex Hall

Beth & Todd Haltom

Anna & Jon Murray Haltom

Danice Haltom

Sandy & Ed Haltom

Beth & Doug Haltom

Cecilia & Stephen Hammond

Miranda & Will Harbin

Adair & Jim Hardegree

Dana Harris

Mary-Glenn & Michael Hartup

Charlotte & David Hatcher

Deirdre & Kevin Hatcher

Annie & Miller Hayes

Betsy & Josh Hayes

Jared Heldenbrand

Regina & Khayyan Henning

Deborah & Vance Herrell

Jaivonna & Artis Hicks

Brittany & Alex Hicks

Anna & Jon Higgs

Rachel Hight

Nikki & Billy Hight

Marti & Rodney Hines

Lauralee & Tripp Hise

Julie & Hunter Hooper

Zsaneka & Bart Horton

Ashley & Ethan Hosford

Jeannie Howard

Teryn & Ben Howard

Maddie & Taylor Howell

Kellye Hubbard

Gary Hubbard

Kimberly & Kevin Hunley

Dana & Brett Hunt

Nancy & Danny Hutchison

Melissa & Jason Hutchison

Jill Jackson

Danna & Charley Jerman

Flannery & Dustin Johnson

Diane & Mike Johnson

Kelly & Hunter Johnston

Haley & Justin Jones

Anna & Trevor Jones

Sarah & Chuck Jones

Ranee & Brandon Jones

Tabitha & Dustin Jordan

Teresa Kee

Carmeda & Joey Keen

Ann & Scott Keyl

Erica & Curt King

Amanda & T.J. King

Meg & Bryce King

Tracey & Darrell King

Misty & James Kirkland

Carol & Ron Kirkland

Magen & Carson Kisner

Rhonda & Mark Koch

Linda & Bradley Langley

Kelly & Nick Latimer

Molly & Eric Lee

Susan & Joshua LeFevre

Leslie & Lane Lewis

Carol Jan & Bill Liles

Brad Lindsey

Casey Lindsey

Amanda & Jeremy Little

Betsy & Brad Little

Margaret & Travis Livingston

Kristen Londe

Debby & Alan Long

Alexis & Andrew Long

Patti & Harold Lonon

Elizabeth & Javier Lopez

Kathy & Jay Louviere

Ashley & Ben Lovell

Amber & Zachary Luttrell

Jennifer & Andrew Lytle

Elizabeth & Steve Maloan

Kelly & Anthony Martin

Kay & Henry Massler

Hallie & Casey McCallum

Jennifer & Todd McCarter

Jenny & Marvin McKenzie

Heather & Chris McLemore

Delisa & Jason McNair

Tiffany & Houston McSwain

Mary Jane & Michael McWherter

Jennifer Brown & B.J. Medley

Kimberly & Brian Melton

Julie & Brent Messer

Keli & Tyreece Miller

Allison & Preston Miller

Anna & Gregory Mitchum

Julia & Mark Montgomery

Meg & Mike Montgomery

Mary Ann & Mike Montgomery

Allison & Drew Moore

Megan & Chris Moore

Jacki & Keith Moran

Rachel & Brent Morris

Amanda & Kurt Mullen

Cheryl & Keith Murray

Blair & Andrew Myers

Gina & Dudley Myracle

Tiffany & Barry Nabours

Diane & Tommy Nelms

Debbie & Harold Nerren

Betty & Donald Newman

Liz & Greg Nichols

Elizabeth & Nicholas Nordtvedt

Sally & David Norville

Theresa & Randy Olswing

Tammi & Will O’Neal

Celia O’Neal

Hillary & Jake Overbey

Mallory & William Parker

Damini & Ajay Patel

Tina & Neil Patel

Hunt & Houston Payne

San & Mike Pearson

Sarah & Kyle Pettigrew

Pfizer Foundation

Matching Gifts Program

Nancy & William Piercey

Tina & Randy Plunk

Kimberly & William Preston

Katie & Derrick Pritchard

Kim & Michael Raines

Jennifer & Robert Reynolds

Marlie & Jamie Richardson

Molly & Wesley Richardson

Melinda & Don Roe

Marcy & Read Ronk

Cori & Jason Rose

April & Jeremy Ross

Julie & Neill Ross

Anita & Robert Roy

Molly & Ryan Roy

Staci & Casey Rushing

Alicia & Andrew Russell

Melessa & Blake Sain

Chana & Alan Sallee

Jessica & Graham Salonus

Mandy & Eric Scallions

Wanda & Pat Scanlon

Carla & Mike Schmitt

Leslie & David Scott

Katie & Todd Seabrook

Brittney & Matt Sellers

Sarah & Chad Shankle

Meredith Shaw

Lauren & Josh Shearon

Beverly Shears

Heather & Matt Shelton

Julie & Vance Shoaf

Haley & Brian Short

Phyllis & Brad Sigler

Kellie & Trey Sikes

Whitney & Dan Sikes

Regina & Eric Sills

Sheri Simeon

Carmen & James Simeon

Patricia & James Simeon

Dennis Slagle, Sr

Stacey & Dennis Slagle

Sara & Danny Smigielski

Brenda & Bob Smith

Kelsey & Logan Smith

Henry Smith

Sarah Stone Smith

Beth & Shannon Smith

Emily & Nathan Smith

Sherry & Kenny Smith

Jane & Brown Smith

Jane & Tommy Smith

Beverly & Walter Smith

Kendra & Justin Smith

Gina & Todd Smith

Gina & David Smith

Keata & Jason Snider

Dorothea Spates

Martha Carol & Blake Spellings

Jayme & Justin Spencer

Angela & Nathan Spencer

Renee & Nick Stamper

Pam & Daniel Stanfield

Brenda Stewart

Russ Stoots

Stephanie & Marshall Stoots

David Suber

Tracey & Taylor Sullivan

Cyd & David Teague

Sandra & Freddy Teague

Ashley & Trey Teague

Alisha Terry

Lisa & Randy Terry

Sharyn & Chuck Thompson

Cynthia Thomson

Linda & Bill Timbes

Jan & Wendell Tolley

Laura & Dwight Tomlin

Lauren & Chip Trammell

Meredith & Matt Varino

Kelly & Jamie Vaughn

Sara Jane & Ruste Via

Jane & Fred Vinson

Erin Wagner

Kelley & Jack Walker

Debbie & Jim Warren

Tricia & David Watlington

Nikki & Jeff Watlington

Patricia & Jim Watson

Alison & Chris Weaver

Kim & Tim Wehner

Karen & David Welch

Jennifer & Andy West

Shelby & J Whitaker

Amy & Pierce White

Allison & Joshua Whitledge

Jennifer & John Whybrew

Kati & Stephen Wilks

Lori & Bradley Williams

Adriene & Martin Williams

Vicki & Greg Wilson

Courtney & Austin Winn

Melissa & Josh Work

JoAnn Wormer

Lindsey & Casey Wright

Sandra & Matthew Wright

Vickie & Thomas Yancey

Lauren & Drew Yancey

Hannah & Lee Yandell

Dorothy Yandell

Janice & Joe Yarbrough

Championing the Future: Trey Teague Steps Forward in Development Leadership

As proud alumni of the University School of Jackson, our family’s story has been deeply shaped by this community. USJ has always held a special place in our hearts—from our days as students to years spent cheering on the Bruins from the sidelines, coaching on the field, and serving on the Board of Trustees. The friendships, values, and lessons we gained here have been a guiding influence in every chapter of our lives.

After playing football at the University of Tennessee and spending nine years in the NFL, I’ve had the privilege of returning home to give back to the school that gave so much to us. Whether through coaching our students or leading the Development Committee, I’ve seen firsthand the passion, generosity, and dedication that define USJ.

It is an incredible honor to now serve as USJ’s Director of Development. Ashley and I are humbled and excited to continue investing in a place that continues to inspire excellence in every student, teacher, and family. We look forward to working together with our Bruin community to ensure USJ’s tradition of excellence continues for generations to come.

— Ashley and Trey Teague

24-25 Arts Guild

Sponsors

Founders

Kayla Young & Nick Arcuri

Elizabeth & Kyle Atkins

Jodi & Mike Barker

Becky & Brent Baskin

Sherri & Chris Brauss

Ali & Brandon Buchanan

Natalie & RE Butts

Laura & Bryan Byrd

Caroline & Jeb Campbell

Carrie Brown & Nick Campbell

Jamie & David Creech

Andrea & Wayne Driggers

Lolly & Stephen Eldridge

Karen & Russ Ellis

Anna & Lanier English

Lisa & Mike Farris

Melanie & Matt Fite

Alyson & Zac Fite

Courtney & Jason Goolsby

Leah & Adrian Hackett

Cecilia & Stephen Hammond

Adair & Jim Hardegree

Misty & James Kirkland

Carol & Ron Kirkland

Susan & Josh Lefevre

Betsy & Brad Little

Theresa & Randy Olswing

Katie & Derrick Pritchard

Molly & Wesley Richardson

Melinda & Don Roe

Staci & Casey Rushing

Carla & Michael Schmitt

David Suber

Lauren & Chip Trammell

Brittney & Tripp Tucker

Sara Jane & Ruste Via

Jennifer & John Whybrew

Legacy

Josh & Celia Allen

Kristen & Jared Alvey

Allison & Michael Badgett

Shelly & Spencer Barnes

Jennifer & Mark Bateman

Kelly & Steve Breazeale

Gari & Shaun Brown

Courtney & Tim Burnette

Carmen & Chris Carroll

Robert Clyce

Melinda & Roger Cook

Jamie & Scott Davenport

Erica & Bradley Davidson

Kathy & Keith Davis

Amanda & Pearce Deaton

Bill & Katherine Dement

Britnee & Will Dement

Cari & Casey Dill

Heather & Michael Dolan

Brooke & Clint Dorris

Amy & Brian Dougan

Lee & Todd Driver

Lynn & Jimmy East

Debbie & Buster Ferguson

Holly & Ben Ferguson

Leslie & Matt Garrett

Mary Ann & Chris Giampapa

Laura Ray & Ty Goodrich

Corrie & Mike Halas

Katie & Joey Hale

Beth & Doug Haltom

Deidre & Kevin Hatcher

Annie & Miller Hayes

Brittany & Alex Hicks

Julie & Hunter Hooper

Dana & Brett Hunt

Melissa & Jason Hutchison

Danna & Charley Jerman

Sarah & Chuck Jones

Magen & Carson Kisner

Margaret & Travis Livingston

Alexis & Andrew Long

Andrea & Dusty Mays

Mary Jane & Mike McWherter

Julie & Brent Messer

Allison & Preston Miller

Julia & Mark Montgomery

Rachel & Brent Morris

Ruth Ann Morrison

Blair & Andrew Myers

Mallory & Will Parker

Damini & Ajay Patel

Tina & Neil Patel

Rachel & Bob Payne

Tina & Randy Plunk

Amy & Stan Ragon

Marlie & Jamie Richardson

Marcy & Read Ronk

Molly & Ryan Roy

Chana & Alan Sallee

Jessica & Graham Salonus

Leslie & David Scott

Katie & Todd Seabrook

Brittney & Matt Sellers

Sarah & Chad Shankle

Regina & Eric Sills

Brenda & Bob Smith

Gina & David Smith

Kelsey & Logan Smith

Kendra & Justin Smith

Gina & Todd Smith

Keata & Jason Snider

Martha Carol & Blake Spellings

Jayme & Justin Spencer

Pam & Daniel Stanfield

Ashley & Trey Teague

Sandra & Freddie Teague

Sharyn & Chuck Thompson

Kathryn & Johnny Tucker

Allison & Chris Weaver

Kim & Tim Wehner

Amy & Pierce White

Allison & Joshua Whitledge

Kati & Stephen Wilks

Adrienne & Martin Williams

Courtney & Austin Winn

Hannah & Lee Yandell

Platinum

Carolyn Patey

Wendy & John Gwatney

Jason & Karen Martin

Ava & Adam Pogue

Rita Hooper

Gold

Susan Cox & Josh LeFevre

Casey & Lee Berry

Karley & Bate Bond

Dennis & Rose Butcher

Natalie & RE Butts

Betsy & Alan Dement

Jaime & Edward Grammer

Will & Miranda Harbin

Charlotte & David Hatcher

Lauren & Brandon Hughes

Kim & Kevin Hunley

Alan & Tina Johns

MG Construction

Damini & Ajay Patel

Hailee & Matthew Tillery

Adriana & Wade Thompson

Faculty (Gold)

Lauren & Drew Yancey

Silver

Kara & Russ Allison

Badiaa & Naji Bourji

Brianne & Charlie Campbell

Emily & Beau Carr

Dottie & Bruce Dorris

Joseph & Sophia Fouche

Shaun & Crystal Goldie

Antonia & Ronald Haney

Rachel Hight

Jamie & Richie Hopkins

Kelly & Hunter Johnston

Molly & Eric Lee

Allison & Drew Moore

Carmen & Lee Murray

Jon Murray & Anna Haltom

Elise & Michael Nelson

Keith Perkins

Anna & Tim Surratt

Robert Trim

Holly & Bradley Webb

Karen & David Welch

Ben Wilkinson

Faculty (Silver)

Maegan & Alan Rothrock

Patron

Carmen & Chris Carroll

Jeri & Clinton Harbin

Carol Jan Liles

Meredith & Ryan Franz

Rebecca & Stephen Miller

Kay & Don Thomson

Faculty (Patron)

Bubba Cates

Billy Hight

Jared Heldenbrand

Ella Engles Keifer

Whitney Meriwether

Jennifer Sammons

Show Sponsors

Michelle Prince — Shrek the Musical

Michelle Prince — Freaky Friday

VOYA Financial — Shrek the Musical

24-25 PARENTS CLUB SPONSORS & PATRONS

Star Sponsor $10000

Cadence Bank

Elite Sponsor $5000

Susan Cox Development - Sip n Shop

First Horizon Advisors - Preview Party

Diamond Sponsor $3000

West Tennessee Bone and Joint Clinic

H&M Company, Inc

Coffmans

Lauren & Joseph Robinson

Platinum Sponsor $1500

Lee Nicholson O.D. - E

Gold Sponsor $1000

The Bank of Jackson

Sandy Boxell, MD - E

Jim and Mona Campbell

Sarah Jane & Ruste Via Williams Steel

Dixie Logging

Buchanan Realty Group

CRS CPA’s

Hoyt Hayes Construction

ATA

Heather McLemore

Woman’s Clinic, P.A.

HMIS

Silver Sponsor $500

Evergreen Recyclers, Inc

Garrett Plumbing and Heating

Drs. Jason Goolsby and Adam English

Drs. Teel and Tucker Family Dentistry

The Uniform Source

Georgann McFarland - King Tire

San and Mike Pearson

Chad and Sarah Shankle

Leaders Credit Union

Southern Electric & Controls

Levy Dermatology

Bronze Sponsor $300

Dr. & Mrs. David Watlington

Mack Pest Control

Nest Realty- Traci Carney and Suzanne Dement

Kristen Londe

Oral Surgery Assoc.

Peter and Bethany Lawrence - The Doctors Lawrence

Dr. Brent Hatcher

ExpressPros

Rainey Enterprises INC

Century Farm Winery

Randy Terry - State Farm

Orangetheory

Spence & Shelly Barnes

Beau and Emily Carr

Mulligans

Terri Crider

Chris Bell

Patrons of the Mart

Celia & Josh Allen

Kristen & Jared Alvey

Nick & Kayla Young Arcuri

Jodi & Mike Barker

Shelly & Spence Barnes

Jennifer & Mark Bateman

Gari & Shaun Brown

Ali & Brandon Buchanan

Natalie & RE Butts

Caroline & Jeb Campbell

Carrie Brown & Nick Campbell

Carmen & Chris Carroll

Melinda & Roger Cook

Jamie & Scott Davenport

Amanda & Pearce Deaton

Britnee & Will Dement

Katherine & Bill Dement

Heather & Michael Dolan

Brooke & Clint Dorris

Amy & Brian Dougan

Andrea & Wayne Driggers

Lee & Todd Driver

Lynn & Jimmy East

Lolly & Stephen Eldridge

Lisa & Mike Farris

Debbie & Buster Ferguson

Holly & Ben Ferguson

Melanie & Matt Fite

Alyson & Zac Fite

Laura Ray & Ty Goodrich

Courtney & Jason Goolsby

Corrie & Mike Halas

Katie & Joey Hale

Beth & Doug Haltom

Cecilia & Stephen Hammond

Deidre & Kevin Hatcher

Brittany & Alex Hicks

Julie & Hunter Hooper

Dana & Brett Hunt

Melissa & Jason Hutchison

Danna & Charley Jerman

Misty & James Kirkland

Carol & Ron Kirkland

Magen & Carson Kisner

Susan & Josh LeFevre

Betsy & Brad Little

Alexis & Andrew Long

Andrea & Dusty Mays

Mary Jane & Mike McWherter

Julie & Brent Messer

Allison & Preston Miller

Julia & Mark Montgomery

Rachel & Brent Morris

Ruth Ann Morrison

Blair & Andrew Myers

Damini & Ajay Patel

Tina & Neil Patel

Rachel & Bob Payne

Amy & Stan Ragon

Molly & Wesley Richardson

Marlie & Jamie Richardson

Marcy & Read Ronk

Molly & Ryan Roy

Staci & Casey Rushing

Chana & Alan Sallee

Jessica & Graham Salonus

Carla & Michael Schmitt

Katie & Todd Seabrook

Brittney & Matt Sellers

Sarah & Chad Shankle

Brenda & Bob Smith

Kendra & Justin Smith

Gina & Todd Smith

Keata & Jason Snider

Martha Carol & Blake Spellings

Ashley & Trey Teague

Sandra & Freddie Teague

Sharyn & Chuck Thompson

Lauren & Chip Trammell

Brittney & Tripp Tucker

Kathryn & Johnny Tucker

Sara Jane & Ruste Via

Allison & Chris Weaver

Amy & Pierce White

Allison & Joshua Whitledge

Jennifer & John Whybrew

Kati & Stephen Wilks

Adrienne & Martin Williams

Hannah & Lee Yandell

Faculty & Staff

Patrons of the Mart

Elizabeth & Kyle Atkins

Allison & Michael Badgett

Becky & Brent Baskin

Sherri & Chris Brauss

Kelly & Steve Breazeale

Courtney & Tim Burnette

Laura & Bryan Byrd

Robert Clyce

Jamie & David Creech

Erica & Bradley Davidson

Kathy & Keith Davis

Cari & Casey Dill

Karen & Russ Ellis

Anna & Lanier English

Leslie & Matt Garrett

Mary Ann & Chris Giampapa

Leah & Adrian Hackett

Adair & Jim Hardegree

Annie & Miller Hayes

Sarah & Chuck Jones

Margaret & Travis Livingston

Theresa & Randy Olswing

Mallory & Will Parker

Tina & Randy Plunk

Katie & Derrick Pritchard

Melinda & Don Roe

Leslie & David Scott

Regina & Eric Sills

Gina & David Smith

Kelsey & Logan Smith

Jayme & Justin Spencer

Pam & Daniel Stanfield

David Suber

Kim & Tim Wehner

Courtney & Austin Winn

The “DEN” is coming to the U!

The next building project to begin on campus is The Den, an outdoor event space in the form of a pavilion that can be utilized by all of our students and families.

Location: The Den will be constructed below the Upper School just down from the Prayer Garden. The plan is for it to be to the west of the sidewalk at the bottom of the hill. New sidewalks will connect the Upper School parking lot to the Prayer Garden, The Den and then over to the Carlock Stadium Entrance.

Design – The plan calls for a 2,000-square foot structure that is consistent with all of the current architecture on campus. Ross Fowler – who designed the Imagine More concept for the U developed the attached rendering.

Aesthetics – It is vital to maintain the consistency of the initial and most recent campus improvements. This structure

will tie into what will become a USJ Plaza of sorts squared by the Big Bruin at the main stadium entrance, the Football Field House, the newly landscaped parking lot, the soccer field, back of the Upper School, and Prayer Garden. This central point of campus will connect Academics, Arts, Athletics, and Alumni.

Usage – As discussions have taken place over the last year, the idea moved away from merely an Outdoor Classroom to a hub (The Den) that can be used by all of our families and alumni. The Den could be utilized as an outdoor classroom by every teacher. Additional usage includes (but is not limited to): Homecoming celebrations, tailgates, meetings, reunions, cookouts, family picnics, school events, a fundraising locale, a student hangout and more.

Funding: Cash gifts of any size, multi-year pledges (no more than three years) and in-kind gift consideration.

Faculty & Staff Give 100% Yet Again!

For the second consecutive year, 100% of USJ faculty and staff rose to the occasion and led by example—every teacher, coach, and administrator on campus made a gift to the Fund for Excellence (FFE).

The FFE, our annual giving platform, helps bridge the gap between tuition revenue and the true cost of a USJ education. It also sets the tone for a culture of generosity, inspiring others in our community to give.

This year, we’re especially proud to share that 23 faculty and staff members joined the Faculty Legacy Society with gifts of $1,000, and 13 joined the newly established Faculty Founders Society with contributions of $2,000.

A heartfelt thank you to all who gave—you continue to raise the bar for excellence and community spirit at USJ.

2024-2025 University School of Jackson

Total Annual Budget: $17,305,400

REVENUES

USJ Family:

My time at USJ—serving the incredible families, faculty, and staff that make up this generous community—has come to a close. It has been both a privilege and a point of pride to witness the selfless giving that has transformed our beautiful 126-acre campus and enriched the experience of everyone who sets foot on it.

Over the past seven-plus years, I’ve seen individuals give their time, talents, and resources to ensure a better future for their children and grandchildren. I will always speak of USJ with deep respect and appreciation for those who came before us—those who laid the foundation in 1970, strengthened it with consolidation in 1987, and continue to carry it forward today.

The momentum to remain the best teaching school in West Tennessee is only growing. As USJ enters its 56th year, it does so with the best facilities, the most dedicated faculty and staff, and the strongest financial position in its history.

I’ll never forget the incredible talent, energy, and generosity gathered at the Civic Center for the 50th Anniversary Celebration of EDS – OHA – USJ back in 2020 (yes, that year). I can’t wait to celebrate again with you all for USJ’s 40th Anniversary in 2027.

Here’s to you all—GO BRUINS!

Russ Ellis