Assistant Principal at Central High Tapped to Take Over at University Place Elementary

The Tuscaloosa City Board of Education voted unanimously Tuesday night to name Brittany Grayson as the new principal at University Place Elementary School, a role she begins today.

Grayson comes to University Place from Central High School, where she was assistant principal. She is in her 17th year in education and has spent 15 of those years with Tuscaloosa City Schools.

"I am truly honored and excited for the opportunity to serve as the next principal of University Place Elementary School," Grayson said. "I'm grateful for the trust that has been placed in me, and I look forward to getting to know our students, staff, families and community. I'm ready to get to work and build on the great things already happening at UPES."

She fills the vacancy left by Nakelya Mullins, who was named principal of Westlawn Middle School last month after a long run leading University Place.

Superintendent Mike Daria said Grayson's history in the district prepared her for the role.

"Ms. Grayson brings a strong combination of instructional leadership, experience and a genuine commitment to students and families," Daria said. "She knows the Tuscaloosa City Schools, she understands the importance of building strong relationships, and she has demonstrated that she is ready to lead. I am confident she will do an outstanding job serving the students, staff and families of University Place Elementary."

Grayson started as an elementary teacher, working at Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary and Southview Elementary from 2011 to 2018. She later became a school counselor at Eastwood Middle School and has also served as the district's lead middle school counselor.

At Central High, TCS said her work covered instructional leadership, student support, school operations, family engagement and schoolwide communication.

She holds two degrees from the University of West Alabama, including a bachelor's degree in elementary education and a master's in school counseling. She has also completed instructional leadership coursework at UWA and is pursuing a doctorate in rural education, TCS said.

Grayson said her first months will be spent getting to know the school.

"My first priority is to listen, learn and build strong relationships with our students, staff and families," she said. "I want us to continue creating a positive school culture while maintaining high expectations for teaching and learning. Ultimately, my goal is for every student to feel supported, challenged and excited about coming to school each day."

"Leadership is not just about leading a school; it is about believing in people, creating opportunities for every child to succeed, and building a school community where we grow tomorrow's leaders today," she said.

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