Dr. Dickens is pictured here with his wife Mary Charles, his son Harrison and daughter Kate.
Dr. Britt Dickens- Head of School
We are pleased to announce that Dr. Britt Dickens has been selected as Regents School of Oxford's Head of School.
God has blessed Regents by bringing an experienced, respected administrator with a passion for education and a deep love of Christ. Dr. Dickens brings more than 25 years of educational leadership experience. Most recently, he was a professor at the University of Mississippi School of Education as well as an educational consultant with Bailey Group. Prior to that, Dr. Dickens held various positions, including Superintendent of Philadelphia Public School District, and Principal of Oxford High School. In his 34 years in education, he has taught and coached almost every level from Kindergarten to Higher Education. His extensive experience in secondary education administration will be an invaluable asset as we continue our commitment and passion in development of an excellent upper school. Dr. Dickens received his B.A. in Physical Education/ Biology and Masters in Education from Mississippi State University. He earned his Ph.D. in Education from the University of Mississippi.
Along with his wife Mary Charles, daughter Kate, and son Harrison, Dr. Dickens resides in Oxford and attends First Baptist Church. Please join us in welcoming Dr. Dickens to the Regents family.
Leigh Ann Teague - Kindergarten Assistant
Leigh Ann graduated from the University of Mississippi, holding a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work and a BA in Sociology as well as a Master's Degree in Clinical Social Work from the University of Tennesse where she later became an Adjunct Professor. She was previously employed as an LCSW at the UT Department of Child Psychiatry, specializing in family therapy. Leigh Ann has been with Regents as a prek/k assistant since 2007.
The Teagues have lived in Oxford since 2000. They have been married for 18 years and have one son, Elijah who is currently a 7th grader at Regents.
Laura Carr - Third Grade
We are happy to say that Mrs. Laura Carr is part of the Regents' family. Laura is originally from Kosciusko, Mississippi. Laura is married to Brian Carr. He works at FNC as a computer analyst. They have a 2 1/2 year old little boy, Tanner, and are expecting another boy in Janurary. Laura and her family attend North Oxford Baptist Church. Mrs. Carr received her undergraduate and Master's degree from The University of Mississippi. She has a degree in Curriculum and Instruction, as well as, a Gifted certification. Laura said "I became a teacher because I love to see kids have fun while they learn!" Laura is an asset to our school. We look forward to having both her boys as future Regents' students one day!
Pictured with Mrs. Maxwell are Regents students Hunter Stewart, Savana Wilkinson, and John Fox.
Born and raised in Gulfport, Mississippi, Mrs. Maxwell earned a Bachelor's degree with an emphasis in science at Belhaven College, a Master's degree at Troy State University, and a Specialist's degree at the University of Southern Mississippi. Mrs. Maxwell's husband, Carroll, was in the U.S. Army. Moving with her husband's career, Mrs. Maxwell taught in public high schools, community colleges, and Army schools located in Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, France, and Thailand. Connie has lived in Lafayette County since 1999. She has been a teacher for 48 years!!! She has taught in Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, France, and even Thailand. Mrs. Maxwell was even selected as Teacher of the Year! She has one child and three grandchildren. After being married for forty-eight years, Mr. Maxwell went to be with our Lord in 2007. The reason that Mrs. Maxwell decided to become a teacher was because she wanted to follow in three of her Aunt's footsteps. They were all teachers. In her spare time she enjoys reading, traveling, sewing, and crochet. We are so thankful that Mrs. Maxwell is a part of the Regents faculty.
Mrs. Linda Hodge, 3rd - 6th Grade Latin & Spanish
Mrs. Hodge started teaching at Regents in 2010. By our luck, she was called to substitute one day at Regents and fell in love with the school. She is married to David Hodge. They have 3 grown children. Her daughter Rachel and her family are missionaries in Brazil, South America. Her son, Jonathan, is a career Marine, and her other son, Joseph is an electrical engineer. David and Linda attend New Prospect Baptist Church. They enjoy traveling, reading, and writing. Linda was a foreign missionary for almost 10 years in Mexico and Ecuador. She said "Being a nurse and fluent in Spanish opened the door for me to work on the set of a movie in Ecuador for 3 months which had Meg Ryan and Russel Crowe in it". What a great thing to tell her students why you just never know all the many ways that a foreign language could be so important! The students love Mrs. Hodge. She makes learning fun!
Beth Robinson - Art
Our Art teacher is Beth Robinson. Beth joined the faculty in 2009 Beth was born and raised in Senatobia, Mississippi. After attending Northwest Community College, she finished her education at Delta State University. Beth graduated from Delta State in 1997 with a degree in Fine Arts. Two years later, she married Fish whom she met while in College. They moved to Jackson, and while there, Beth worked for The Partnership for a Healthy Mississippi. In 2004, the Robinson family moved to Oxford. Fish has served as the Pastor to Students at North Oxford Baptist Church during these years. In addition to teaching at Regents, Beth is a freelance graphic designer. Fish and Beth have two boys who are students at Regents. Adam is in First Grade and Caleb is in Kindergarten. Beth said "I love to see a child's face light up when he discovers the inner artist within himself. Teaching students to "see" God's creation and not just look at it is important to me". We're so so glad Beth is sharing her love of art with our students!
Gini Bramlett is a 4th of July baby! Yes. She was born on the fourth of July....like the song! Gini earned a degree from The University of Georgia with a undergraduate and Master's degree in Special Education. She is married to Payton, who is currently in law school at Ole Miss. The both attend First Baptist Church of Oxford. Mrs. Bramlett always said that she would never be a teacher because her mom was a teacher growing up! (Never say never!) Gini said "The older that I got the more that I realized God gave me a passion for children so I chose to pursue a degree in teaching". She enjoys arts, crafts, and running. Mrs. Bramlett has even run 4 half marathons! Way to go Gini! You inspire us!
Mrs Robinson is pictured here with her daughters Audrey and Macy.
Abbie Robinson - Director of the Lower School, 3rd Grade
Abbie Robinson teaches 3rd grade and has been at Regents since January of 2008. She is married to Stewart Robinson and has two daughters at Regents. Macy is a 5th grade student, and Audrey is in 2nd Grade. The Robinson family moved to Oxford in the Fall of 2007 to be closer to her husband's family in Jackson. They attend church at Christ Presbyterian Church. Abbie is originally from Alabama and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Business from the University of Montevallo in Birmingham. While living in Florida and being a stay-at-home mom, she completed a Transition to Teaching Program and became certified to teach Kindergarten through 6th grade. Before moving to Oxford, Abbie taught preschool at Covenant Christian School in Panama City, Florida. The reason that Mrs. Robinson became a teacher was to help children develop a timely biblical worldview and to grow her own view of who God is and who she is in him. Some people may not know that thanks to her husband Abbie has had many adventures in mountain climbing, saltwater fishing, and even duck hunting. She says "My husbnad balances my need for control and always stretches my comfort level." Mrs. Robinson currently serves as the lower school division director. She is definitely an asset to our school!
Mrs. Spraberry is pictured here with her student Ann Lindsey Bolton.
Carolyn Spraberry - First Grade
Carolyn was raised in Senatobia, MS. She graduated from Northwest Community College and Delta State University earning both her Bachelors and Masters degrees in Education. She is married to Harold Spraberry, who is a P.C.A. pastor. They have 2 children: Sarah who is a high school science teacher in the Jackson area and Andrew who serves in the United States Marine Corp. Carolyn was raised in a family of educators. Her parents and all four of her siblings became teachers, so she knew from an early age that she wanted to follow that career path. She knew that she wanted to make a difference in children's lives. Mrs. Spraberry said "I just know without a doubt that God called me to be a teacher. I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to work with children each day". Carolyn has taught for 32 years, and she taught First Grade for 30 of those years. It doesn't take long for anyone who meets Carolyn to realize how much she loves (and is loved by) people, especially her students! We are so thankful that Carolyn is a part of the Regents family.
Frances Pierce - PreKindergarten Teacher
Mrs. Frances is married to Thomas Pierce. They attend Christ Presbyterian Church. They also have a dog named Boo. She received her undergraduate degree from Ole Miss with a degree in History. She loves waking up each day knowing that she is able to tough the lives of children. She loves to see the sparkle in their eyes and the excitement that they show when they learn something new. Mrs. Frances is familiar to many children in Oxford because she also works on the weekend at Square Books Junior. In her free time she loves watercoloring, traveling (one day aspires to be on The Amazing Race), art museums, and going to the movies. Many people don't know that she is a huge American Idol fan. She loves to sing. Next time you see her ask her to strike up a tune with you. Mrs. Pierce's PK friends are so happy that she is their teacher. They give her hugs all throughout the day!
Ms. Fernandez is pictured here with Annaleigh Kurr and Rachel Kroeger.
Cindy Fernandez - Director of Humanities, Upper School History
There's nobody more appropriate than Miss Fernandez to be teaching at Regents. Why? Well, the College Hill Community is very special to her. Although she was raised in Nashville and Water Valley, she spent many days visiting her grandparents who lived right around the corner from Regents, and her father, grandparents, great grandparents, and great-great grandparents all went to school in College Hill. Cindy studied History and Political Science at Vanderbilt University and the University of Mississippi. She also received a Master's degree in Biblical Studies at Reformed Theological Seminary. She has worked with youth since 1988 in the capacity of teaching with her church. Cindy has lived abroad on several occasions and came to Regents in 2004. She heads up the Humanities Department at Regents in addition to teaching history to the upper school. When Cindy is not at school, you will probably find her at her home renovating her old family home-place or working in the garden. She loves anything that takes her out of doors, and of course, her animals. Cindy has provided many Regents' families with their pet cats; many even bear her name! Most of all, she loves her students, who are like her own children. She believes we at Regents are redeeming culture - speaking truth into chaos. Miss Fernandez is loved by students and parents for all that she contributes to our lives!
Graduating from The University of North Florida, Coach Tasha received her undergraduate degree in Physical Education with an emphasis in Sport Leadership. She also has a Master's degree from The University of Mississippi in Parks and Recreation Management. Coach Tasha is a newlywed and married Bill Fennell on October 1, 2011. He currently works at Ole Miss where they met through mutual friends. Tasha currently attends Christ Presbyterian Church. She decided to become a teacher because growing up teachers made such a big impact of her life. She wanted to be able to have the same impact in the lives of youth today. It might not surprise those that know her, that Tasha was her high school mascot (eagle). Hmmm....we may need get her in a Lion's outfit to cheer on our school. Tasha loves all sports, especially basketball where she played in high school. In her free time Coach Tasha enjoys golf, cooking, cleaning, and spending time with family and friends. Thanks Coach Tasha for cheering on the Lions and keeping our students active and healthy!
Mrs. Jenkins is pictured here with her son, Gray.
Meg Jenkins - Science (Lower and Middle School)
Mrs. Jenkins was born and raised in a small town outside of Rome, Georgia, called Cedartown. She attended and graduated from Auburn University in 1992 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Bio Medical Science. While at Auburn, Meg joined the staff of Campus Crusade for Christ and met her future husband, Isaac, who was also working for Campus Crusade at Auburn. Meg and Isaac married in November of 1992 shortly after her graduation and continued to work for Campus Crusade on the Auburn campus. One thing that the students don't know about Mrs. Jenkins is that she slept with the same bear, Paddington, until her 2nd year of marriage! In 1994, Meg and Isaac moved to Oxford because Isaac was hired to be the Campus Crusade Minister at Ole Miss. Although Meg is still on staff with Crusade serving the students of Ole Miss along with Isaac, Regents hired her in 2005. She is the Cross Country Coach, and she runs the Regents Soccer Camp which is held every Summer. The Jenkins have three children: Zac, Gray, and Ruthie. Meg has touched so many lives of all who know her and has ministered to the Ole Miss campus for over 15 years. We are thankful to have Meg as a member of the Regents Faculty.
Miss Holmes is pictured here with Ashley Grace Smith and Ann Lindsey Bolton, two of her students from last year's Kindergarten class.
Elizabeth Holmes - Second Grade
Elizabeth was born and raised right here in Oxford, MS. She attended the University of Mississippi and graduated in 2008 with a degree in Elementary Education. After graduation, Elizabeth joined the Regents faculty. She taught Kindergarten her first year, but now teaches Second Grade. We are thankful for the love, kindness and excitement that Elizabeth brings to the classroom. She attends New Prospect Baptist Church. Miss Holmes' nephew, Bo, is now at Regents. Miss Holmes always knew since the age of 5 that she wanted to be a teacher. She would pretend to teach her teddy bears when she was a child. In her spare time, Miss Holmes enjoys zumba, spending time with family, and being a big fan of New Kids on the Block. She even saw them in concert recently. Miss Holmes likes to have fun.....I guess that's why the students love her so much!
Mrs. Gill is pictured with Hannah Harper on the 100th Day of school.
Margaret Gill - Director of Early Ed, Kindergarten
Mrs. Gill is very dear to our family here at Regents. She has been with us since the day we opened our doors. Margaret was raised in Jackson, MS; and after high school, she attended Hinds Community College and Mississippi College. She majored in Religious Education and minored in Home Economics with an emphasis in Child Development. In 1978, Margaret married Ken, who is a forensic scientist, and they have two children, Joseph and Jessica. Joseph is a lawyer in Flowood. Jessica lives with her husband and daughter, Skyla, in Virginia. The Gills have been in Oxford since 1981. Margaret worked in several church preschool programs, the Lafayette County school system, and the Oxford School system before coming to Regents. She has been our Kindergarten teacher since the Fall of 2000. In her spare time she enjoys scrapbooking and walking with her dog. It's hard to express how much Mrs. Gill means to us. We are so thankful for the way she has loved and taught our children over the years.
Danica Boyd - Prekindergarten Teacher, 7th and 8th grade Grammar
This is Mrs. Boyd's first year as a full time teacher. Last year she could be found around Regents doing many jobs. Danica received her degree in Elementary Education from The University of Mississippi. Danica is married to Michael Boyd, who is her high school sweetheart. They have 1 child - their dog Dixie! Danica became a teacher because she is the happiest when she is around children. She loves to learn. Mrs. Boyd said "I knew that becoming a teacher would make me a lifelong learner". Her her spare time she teaches Sunday School with her husband at First Baptist Church of Oxford. She also enjoys cleaning (hard to believe that anyone enjoys that!), organizing, and shopping. Something that most people don't know about Mrs. Boyd is that she attends comic book conventions with her husband. She loves super heroes! I bet Mrs. Boyd is a super hero to her PK friends!
Mrs. Barnes is pictured here with her children, Anna and Jacob.
Stacy Barnes - Director of Math and Science, 3rd Grade Latin, Algebra I, Early Ed - Lower School Music
Stacy was born and raised in Memphis, TN. After graduating, her family moved to Oxford and Stacy enrolled at Ole Miss. During her Freshman year, she met Russell Barnes through the Baptist Student Union, and they started dating shortly after going on a mission trip to New Orleans together. Stacy earned her Bachelor degree in Mathematics and a Masters in Adult Education with an emphasis in Developmental Education. Stacy also has a Developmental Education Specialist degree. Russell and Stacy married in 1995. They spent eight years in North Carolina while Russell was in the Navy, but returned to Oxford. Russell also helps with the computers at Regents. They attend New Prospect Baptist Church. The Barnes have 2 children who are students at Regents, Jacob (5th grade) and Anna (3rd Grade). Stacy has worked at Regents since 2006. She plays the piano for Regents during chapel and other programs. During her free time she loves to read and cook. Her students might be interested to know that Stacy was elected Homecoming Queen when she was in the 6th grade. She always greets everyone with a smile, whether it's in class, around campus, or in the pick up line after school. Thank you Stacy for all you contribute to our school!
Blakely Barley - 5th Grade Teacher
Mrs. Barley grew up in Birmingham, AL. She graduated Cum Laude with an Elementary Education degree from Auburn University in 2011. During the Summer after her graduation, she married Matt Barley who is presently attending Ole Miss Law School. They both attend Christ Presbyterian Church and have a dog named Gracie. Her parents own a retail store in Birmingham, Alabama and she also has a sixteen year old brother who is a Sophomore in college. Blakely is a huge Auburn fan, even though she was brought up as an Alabama fan! In her free time she enjoys running and spending time with family and friends. The reason that Mrs. Barley became a teacher was because she wanted to impact students in a positive way. This is Mrs. Barley's first year at Regents! The kids are so excited to be in her class! Welcome!
Mrs. Carr is pictured here with her daughter, Emily.
Leslie Carr - Fourth Grade Humanities/Math
Leslie was born in Arkansas, but raised in Southaven, MS. She attended Blue Mountain College, which is just northeast of Oxford, near New Albany, MS. After graduation, where she earned degrees in both English and Math, Leslie worked in both education and non-education jobs. One of her favorite jobs was when she spent two years as a missionary in Belize teaching 3rd - 9th grade at Belize Christian Academy. In 2000, Leslie married Phillip, who was from Water Valley. That brought Leslie to Oxford, and eventually to Regents! She joined the Regents staff in 2007 as the Fourth Grade Humanities teacher and music teacher. Leslie and Phillip have a daughter, Emily, who is in her class. Leslie also enjoys reading, music, and traveling. We are so thankful for Leslie and all that she gives to our school.
Suzy Smith - Fourth Grade
We are so truly fortunate and blessed to have Mrs. Smith at Regents! Suzy has been married to Taylor Smith for 4 years. He is currently getting his PhD in Economics at the University of Mississippi. Suzy is from the small town of Becker, Minnesota. Believe it or not Suzy is one of ten children! Suzy moved to the south to attend Louisiana College where she received a degree in elementary education. Suzy has taught in various school settings, including 2 years in an academic magnet school in Alexandria, Louisiana. Suzy furthered her education by attending The University of Mississippi. She received her Masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction (with a specialization in Mathematics and Science). Taylor and Suzy have 2 dogs - Luke and Scruffy. They are expecting their first child in March. The students are so excited to find out if she is having a boy or girl. She attends First Baptist Church with her husband and they both sing in the choir. She enjoys swimming, singing, reading, and nature walks. She is a huge fan of Snoopy and the Peanuts comic strip. The parents and students at Regents are thrilled that God brought Mrs. Smith into our lives! Welcome to Regents.
Karen is pictured here with her sons, Micheal (L) and Nick (R).
Karen Vannice - Upper School Math
Karen was born and raised in Pennsylvania. She attended college at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and graduated from there with a degree in Marketing. After graduation, Karen found her way to Virginia, and while there, she met Mark. Karen and Mark married in 1990. Since then, the Vannices have moved 10 times all over the country, living in Virginia, Alabama, Tennessee, North Carolina, Wisconsin, New Jersey, and Mississippi. While in Alabama, Karen earned a Masters in Secondary Math Education from Auburn University. The Vannices have been in Oxford since 2008. They have two sons, Michael and Nick, both in the Seventh Grade. Karen joined the Regents faculty last year and we are so glad to have her here to teach Math to our students. Karen says "that she became a teacher because she always loved learning new ideas, especially in the area of math. I enjoy the logical process involved as you reason through problems. All of these passions I hope to pass on to my students, and convey a love of learning." When she is not at school she enjoys gardening, sewing, and quilting. Thanks Mrs. Vannice for being a part of the Regents' family.
Bethany Mayo- Upper School Literature, Lower School Music
Bethany was born in California, but after moving to Minnesota, Memphis, TN and Grenada, MS, her family settled in Dyersburg, TN. After graduation from high school, Bethany moved to Pennsylvania to attend Grove City College. While at Grove City, she met her future husband Josh, who is from Massachusetts and is Regents' 12th grade literature teacher. Bethany graduated in 2009 with a double major in Music and Biblical and Theological Studies. Josh and Bethany married in the Summer of 2010 and moved to Oxford for Josh to work on his Masters in English Literature at Ole Miss. They attend Christ Presbyterian Church of Oxford. One thing that you may not know about Mrs. Mayo is that she has been to 47 states! One thing everyone notices about Mrs. Mayo is her beautiful smile! Thanks for making Regents School of Oxford a happy place to be!
This is Rachel's first year at Regents at we are so excited to have her as a teacher. She received her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education from The University of Mississippi. Many people in the community know Rachel because she is such an involved member of First Baptist Church, previously directing children's church as well as many other functions. Rachel loves children and feels like it is her passion. Rachel is an only children. She talks everyday to her parents, and is very close to both of them. In her spare time she enjoys biking, singing, skating, and even hide-and-go seek! Regents is excited to have Miss. Corley's enthusiam, energy, and love for children. Welcome Miss Corley!
Coach Hadley received a Bachelor of Science in Education from Blue Mountain College. While in school he was a member of Kappa Delta Pi. Joshua attends church at the Orchard of Oxford. Josh said "The reason that I became a teacher was that I want to guide and teach the youth so they will be more prepared and equipped to function in today's society while being a light to the people around them". Joshua's immediate family lives in Delhi, New York, where they farm, make maple syrup, and raise horses. Joshua enjoys the outdoors, as well as, most sports - especially Big Syracuse Orangemen! Don't worry we'll work on him and recruit him to be a Rebel fan soon. We are looking forward to basketball season as he will lead our boys' team to many victories! Good luck Coach Josh!
Miss Brunson has been part of the Regents' family since 2010. She received her degree in Elementary Education from Sterling College. Also, during college Lindsey studied theatre in college. She enjoys acting, directing, and watching plays whenever she gets the chance. She is currently working on her Masters degree in Integrated Curriculum and Instruction from Covenent College. In addition, Lindsey is a certified Montessori teacher. In October of 2011, Lindsey married Melvin Manickavasagam. Melvin came to Oxford from Malaysia and he ministers to International students at Ole Miss. Lindsey and Melvin attend Christ Presbyterian Church. Lindsey wanted to become a teacher because she loves learning and working with children. In her spare time, Mrs. Brunson loves to cook, read and travel. The fifth grade students are all glad to know that Mrs. Brunson is in their lives!
Mrs. Pennington received both her undergraduate and Master's degree from the University of Mississippi. Her undergraduate degree was in elementary education. Her Master's degree is in Special Education. She is also certified to teach gift students. Mrs. Pennington has been with Regents for 10 years. Prior to that Sharon was selected as the Outstanding Reading Teacher at Bramlett. She was also selected as Teacher of the Year for the Oxford School District. Mrs. Pennington attends First Baptist Church of Oxford. When asked why did you become a teacher, Mrs. Pennington said "I was inspired by those who taught me, and so I always dreamed of being a teacher. As a teen, I worked with children's groups at church, scouts, day camps, etc. and I knew that I enjoyed working with children." Mrs. Pennington has such a loving, nurturing personality. The students love Mrs. Pennington. Mrs. Pennington has 3 daughters, 4 grandchildren (ages 5 - 21) and 2 brothers. Her mother is 92 and lives right next door! Sharon enjoys reading, gardening, collecting angels and crosses, scrapbooking and writing. She has a pet Great Dane, Duchess, who follows her around the house like a shadow. Regents is so very lucky to have Mrs. Pennington as a member of our family!
Regents is thrilled to have such an educated and gifted teacher like Mr. Pickett as part of our faculty. Mr. Pickett has a Bachelor's in History with a minor in Religion from Clemson University. In addition, he has a Master's degree in Theological Studies and additional Masters degree in History. He earned his masters degree from The College of Charleston and Covenant Theological Seminary. He is currently a P.H.D. candidate at The Unversity of Mississippi in History (1st half of the U.S. from 1620- 1877). Last year he received the 2010 Graduate Instructor Excellence in Teaching award for The University of Mississippi. In addition, he received the G. Aiken Taylor Award in American Presbyterian History. Otis said that the reason that he became a teacher is because that is what his gift from God is - to teach! He believes that he is using God's gifts to the fullest when he teaches students. Like so many others, good teachers throughout his life made an impact on his decision to teach. Otis is married to Julie Pickett. Julie works at the Center for the Study of Southern Culture at The Univeristy of Missisippi. They have a 3 year little girl named Martha Jane and a 1 year old boy named Otis, Jr. They are both from Charleston, SC and are big Clemson Tiger Fans. When he isn't working on all his studies, he enjoys reading, walking, making movies on his new Mac, eating oysters, and watching college football and baseball. Not only does he like Clemson, but he is also a Cardinals and Grizzlies fan. Mr. Pickett and his wife enjoy shag dancing. For all of you who don't know what that is, it's the South Carolina State Dance. He started taking lessons when he was 5 years old. Thanks Mr. Pickett for bringing a touch of South Carolina to MIssissippi! We love your excitement!
