KYLE MURPHYStaff Writer

It was a time for celebration as the Tennessee Art Education Association (TAEA) has named Tullahoma City Schools Director of Schools Dr. Catherine Stephens as its Administrator of the Year.

The announcement was earlier this month from TAEA as part of its annual awards to recognize educators throughout Tennessee who “shine for arts education every day.”

“Congratulations to Dr. Catherine Stephens, (this year’s) TAEA Administrator of the Year,” TAEA officials said in a statement. “She is a student-centered leader who enjoys supporting their successes in academics, arts and athletics.”

TCS Board of Education’s Sept. 19 meeting, Chairman Kim Uselton took a moment to recognize and celebrate Stephens on being named the Administrator of the Year. She congratulated Stephens and said Atticus Henley, TCS Fine Arts Coordinator, will elaborate further about the honor in the school board’s October meeting.

Stephens said the award was a direct reflection of TCS students and the TCS Fine Arts Department.

“I give it to our students, our staff and most importantly our students as they do make tremendous art,” Stephens said.

Stephens was named the new Director of Schools for TCS in March 2020, making her the first woman to serve as Director of Schools for the school system.

After an extensive search for the right fit for the district, Stephens has described as “the right leader and has certainly proven that in her three years with the district.”

Prior to joining TCS, Stephens was the Associate Director of Schools for Teaching and Learning for Franklin Special School District. She also served as Principal of Scales Elementary in Murfreesboro, which she opened in 2005, as well as the Northfield Elementary Principal and Bellwood Elementary Assistant Principal. Stephens’ education background includes a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education from Virginia Tech, a Master of Education degree in Administration and Supervision from Sam Houston State, a Specialist in Education in Curriculum and Instruction from MTSU and a Doctor of Education in Learning Organizations & Strategic Change from Lipscomb University.