Charles K. Longshore 
Principal, Hayden Middle School 

Ed.S. in Secondary Education , 2013​
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M.A. in Secondary Education, 2007​
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B.S.E. in Secondary Social Science, 2004

Charles Longshore is a transformational educational leader with over 20 years of experience in teaching and administration. Currently Principal of Hayden Middle School, he is known for his visionary leadership, empathy, and commitment to student success. A three-time graduate of The University of Alabama College of Education, Longshore has held leadership roles across Alabama, including Principal of Springville Elementary and Assistant Principal at Dothan Preparatory Academy and Asbury High School. At Dothan Preparatory, he led a cultural turnaround, reducing discipline referrals through restorative practices and relationship-building. 

His leadership has earned statewide and national recognition, including being named the 2024 AASSP Assistant Principal of the Year and one of K12 Dive’s “10 Rising Leaders You Should Know.” Longshore is a member of NASSP, AASSP, AAMSP, and CLAS, and serves on the NASSP Leadership Recognition Board and the CLAS Board of Directors. He is also a published author, with his book The Vision Equation outlining his framework for building organizational vision in schools. Longshore has presented at major conferences and appeared on NPR to discuss student mental health and school culture. He is currently pursuing an Ed.D. in Rural Education and Organizational Leadership at the University of West Alabama. 

Dr. Toni M. Torres-McGehee 
University of South Carolina 

PhD, Human Performance, 2006​

Dr. Toni M. Torres-McGehee is a nationally recognized educator, scholar, and leader in athletic training and public health. Currently serving as Associate Dean for Access and Collective Engagement and Director of Athletic Training Programs at the University of South Carolina, she is a three-time graduate of The University of Alabama. 

Dr. Torres-McGehee is known for her commitment to inclusive excellence, educational innovation, and service-centered leadership. She has transformed athletic training education through strategic expansion of clinical outreach, especially in underserved secondary schools, where USC students often serve as primary healthcare providers. Her work has enhanced access to care and helped prepare culturally responsive healthcare leaders. 

As President of the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE), she leads national efforts to maintain rigorous standards while promoting diversity, equity, and leadership development in accreditation. Dr. Torres-McGehee has secured over $15 million in research funding, published more than 60 peer-reviewed articles, and mentored over 100 graduate students. Her research focuses on eating disorders, mental health, and health disparities among athletes and performing artists. In 2023, she was named a Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine and will receive the 2025 Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer Award from the National Athletic Trainers’ Association. 

Dr. Elizabeth McDonald 
Assistant Director of Instructional Design at University of Alabama 

PhD, Higher Education, 2023​
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Certificate in Geographic Information Systems, 2021​
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MA, Higher Education, 2015​

Dr. McDonald is a highly accomplished higher education professional with expertise in training, academic advising, and instructional design. A two-time graduate of The University of Alabama’s College of Education, she currently serves as Assistant Director of Instructional Design for UA Online, where she leads a team of 15 instructional designers across more than 100 online degree programs. She played a key role in transitioning over 700 courses to the Blackboard Ultra platform, enhancing the accessibility and quality of online learning for over 6,000 students. 

Dr. McDonald’s research focuses on operational excellence and pedagogical integrity, ensuring that online courses are accessible, high-quality, and aligned with institutional goals. Skilled in Adobe Creative Cloud, Canva, and Microsoft 365, she brings a deep understanding of student development and adult learning theories to her work. She holds a BA in History from the University of South Alabama and an MA in Higher Education from The University of Alabama. Currently completing her Ph.D. in Higher Education, her dissertation focuses on faculty development. Dr. McDonald’s dedication to innovation and educational leadership exemplifies the highest standards, making her a distinguished representative of the College of Education’s alumni community. 

Dr. Jeff Scott

’03, ’04

Dr. Jeff L. Scott is an experienced educator and leader in academic operations, currently serving as the Executive Director of Academic Operations at Troy University’s School of Education. He holds a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership, Technology, and Policy from the University of Alabama, where his research focused on structured mentoring programs for teachers. Dr. Scott has a rich professional background, including serving as Vice President of Education at Founding Forward and classroom leadership spanning over two decades. He has also worked as an adjunct professor at the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga. His expertise includes curriculum development, teacher mentoring, and civic education. Dr. Scott is actively involved in professional organizations such as the National Council for the Social Studies and the Alabama Historical Association. A frequent keynote speaker, he has delivered presentations on leadership and education at national conferences and has contributed to curriculum development in U.S. history education​.

Katherine L. Baxter

’99, ’03, ’16, ’23

Katherine L. Baxter is an accomplished educator with over two decades of experience in teaching and library sciences. Currently serving as a Teacher-Librarian at Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, she has made a significant impact through innovative teaching strategies in reading, coding, and critical thinking for students in Pre-K through 5th grade. Her leadership was pivotal during the COVID-19 pandemic, where she collaborated to create virtual learning resources for students. Under her direction, the school library achieved Exemplary Status, reflecting her commitment to academic excellence. Katherine’s career spans roles as a primary teacher in multiple schools, where she developed curricula, coordinated educational trips, and mentored new teachers. Her professional accolades include being named Teacher of the Year for multiple schools and the Tuscaloosa City School System. Katherine holds advanced degrees in Educational Leadership and Library Science from the University of Alabama and continues to be a leader in educational innovation and community engagement.

Dr. Barry Carroll

Heather A. Smith

Shay E. Singley

Marian Loftin

Jeanne Burkhalter

Anne Marie Peirano

Marian Loftin

Mitzi Mills Toxey

Kristi Leigh McMillian

Dr. N. Joyce Sellers

Dr. Linda J. Standridge

Melvin W. Joiner

Sandra L. Hanahan

Dr. Jayne Meyer