This series is a professional development seminar hosted online via Zoom and includes seven two-hour discussions focused on exploring character development in education. The seminar begins on Thursday, June 6th at 1:00pm and ends at 3:00pm each meeting day.
John Carter has thirty years of educational experience. He has served as a classroom teacher, athletic coach, assistant principal, and principal. John received his Bachelor of Science and Masters in Administrative Leadership from the University of West Alabama.
Character development of students has always been at the forefront of his involvement in student education. He feels that our character is what sets us apart from any other attributes we may have. We are remembered more often by our character, rather than our accomplishments. Students need assistance with character development in order to be successful academically and respected as citizens.
John is a native of Washington County Alabama, but lives in Daphne, Alabama with his wife Renee Carter. They have two sons and two granddaughters.
Greg Hurst is the Director of Student Services for the Tuscaloosa County School System, with the responsibility to assist the 35 schools in the System with decreasing student discipline and increasing student attendance. In addition, he oversees McKinney Vento students and is the district’s Safety Coordinator. He provides urgently needed assistance to protect and improve the lives and safety of the homeless, with special emphasis on families with children.
In his previous role with the Tuscaloosa County School System, he served as Principal of Lloyd Wood Middle School. He was responsible for developing standardized curricula; assess teaching methods, monitoring student achievement, encouraging parent involvement, revising procedures, administering the budget, hiring and evaluating staff and overseeing facilities.
Before his promotion by the Tuscaloosa County School System, he served as physical education teacher at several elementary schools, where he was instrumental in providing motivation and encouragement to students. This means being receptive to the needs of individual students while still pushing everyone to strive and succeed. The real long-term duty is to educate children and help them develop an awareness of the importance of a healthy overall lifestyle.
While teaching at Holt Elementary, Greg coached middle school and high school basketball at Holt High School. He was responsible for assisting the head coach, character development and providing direction to student athletes so that they might achieve a high level of skill. Moreover, displaying an appreciation for discipline, sportsmanship and teamwork in basketball.
Greg holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Alabama A&M University, a Master’s Degree from the University of West Alabama, and an Ed.S. Degree from the University of Montevallo.
Shelia Newton is employed with the University of West Alabama as a Rural Network Liaison for Project Grow and University Supervisor for the College of Education at UWA. Prior to retiring from Kemper County Schools, Newton served as a Special Education Director and Elementary Principal. She has 34 years of experience in education.
Being an educator has always been an aspiration for Shelia Newton, but it became more evident as she observed teachers who had mastered the art of teaching. Their character, drive, and passion for teaching motivated her into choosing education as a lifelong career. Newton received her Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education and certification in Elementary Education from Mississippi State University. She also received a Master of Education in Elementary Education and certification in Educational Leadership from Mississippi State University.
She resides in Emelle, Alabama with her husband, Douglas. They have two children and one grandchild.
Kay Lucas has worked with the College of Education at The University of West Alabama as Project REP and Ed.D. Coordinator for four years. During her time at UWA, she has had the opportunity to work alongside many faculty, staff, administrators, and a diverse set of educators. Kay currently serves as the Project Grow Coordinator and Management Specialist. Kay received a bachelor’s degree in Integrated Marketing Communications and a master’s degree in Learning, Design, and Technology, both from the University of West Alabama.
While Kay has had the opportunity to work with rural schools in her role as a coordinator, she recognized the need for character development in a school setting. Kay believes our character makes us who we are, and we should strive every day to be better than we were yesterday. She understands the importance of giving educators the tools to be successful and also allowing educators to have the capability to display character to their students.
Kay resides in Greensboro, Alabama, with her husband, Trevor. They have two boys, Braylen and Beau.
Dr. Andrea S. Mayfield, retired Executive Director of the Mississippi Community College Board, and President of Shelton State Community College in Tuscaloosa, Alabama has more than 28 years in education and currently serves as the Director of Project Grow at the University of West Alabama.
Character serves as the foundation for her success in education as a teacher and administrative leader. Mayfield also teaches in the College of Education’s graduate programs at UWA.
Mayfield received a Bachelor of Science from Livingston University, a Master of Arts in Teaching of biological sciences from the University of West Alabama, and a Doctor of Philosophy in educational leadership with a special emphasis in higher education administration from Mississippi State University. She is a distinguished recipient of the University of West Alabama’s Alumni Achievement Award in 2011 and was inducted as a member of the Golden Key Honor Society in 2015. She was honored as Alumni of the Year in Education from Mississippi State University in February 2016.
Mayfield has served in various state-level leadership roles in Alabama and Mississippi. She has been recognized by the Alabama Legislature and recognized as a recipient of Mississippi’s Top 50 award designating her one of the most influential leaders in the state. Her commitment to education, workforce, and economic development remains her priority. She is passionate about developing the skills, character, and connectedness in youth for a flourishing community and better quality of life.
Mayfield is a native of Livingston, Alabama and resides there with her husband George. She is a mother to three children and six grandchildren.