January 25, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

PRESBYTERIAN CHRISTIAN SCHOOL NAMES JIMMY MESSER AS NEXT HEAD OF SCHOOL

From Left to Right: Macy Messer (daughter), Mallory Price (daughter), Boyd Price (son-in-law), April Messer (wife), and Jimmy Messer (your new Head of School)!

HATTIESBURG, MS—Presbyterian Christian School’s search for the next Head of School comes to a joyful and productive end as the PCS Board of Trustees announce Jimmy Messer for the position.

Jimmy Messer comes to Presbyterian Christian School most recently from Jackson Academy as their Associate Head of School. He has made his mark in even a short time at JA through his leadership in student life, fundraising, and on the executive leadership team. Prior to his work with JA, Jimmy has served various college and independent schools as Basketball Coach, Director of Student Development, Athletic Director, Dean of Students, and Head of School. His prior experience as Head of School for Cottage Hill Christian Academy in Mobile, Alabama is especially notable. During his ministry as Head of School at Cottage Hill, Jimmy increased enrollment by 23.7% and improved school retention from 85% to 93%. He spent a great deal of of time, talent, and treasure on defining the school’s motto, mission statement, vision statement and outlining a five year strategic plan. As Head of School at Cottage Hill fundraising more than doubled, budget increased significantly, facilities were built and/or renovated, and major curriculum overhauls were made for the betterment of the students in their care.

Jimmy is married to April, his bride of twenty-seven years. April has spent many years as a teacher, and in various administrative roles throughout her professional journey. Together, they share two beautiful daughters, and now a son-in-law.Their oldest daughter Mallory Price and husband Boyd Price live in Vestavia Hills, Alabama. Mallory works as a project manager for High Five Healthcare and Boyd attends UAB Medical School. Their youngest daughter, Macy Messer, is a junior in high school and hopes to attend The University of Mississippi after graduation.

The PCS Board of Trustees Search Committee Chair, Mrs. Ali Stayer shares, “One of the most important roles of the Board of Trustees is the hiring and contracting for the position of Head of School. We knew from the beginning of this process that we needed the Lord’s guidance and the unanimous vote to engage Southern Teachers to assist us in our search was the first step. In our initial conversation with Jimmy, he indicated that though he had a great job at Jackson Academy, he knew he wanted to finish his career in a distinctly Christian school. After spending more time with both Jimmy and April, it was evident to every Trustee and through interactions with our larger PCS Family, that he was the person equipped and ready to take the reins of PCS into the future that the Lord has planned for us.”

“Our Board of Trustees have been faithful to the process, and we are seeing the fruit of that obedience today. After a tumultuous couple of years, the PCS Family has learned to place our hope in God above all things. It is exciting to see that same faithfulness in the heart of Jimmy Messer, your next PCS Head of School. Jimmy has the experience, drive, trustworthiness, and faith in Jesus that our school will undoubtedly benefit from in the years ahead. Jimmy is humble and has a servant’s heart that will lead and fit our PCS Family well. I am so thrilled to see all that the Lord has in store under Jimmy Messer’s leadership in the years to come,” says Interim Head of School, Dr. Allen O. Smithers.

Jimmy Messer states, “While PCS has a great history, we also believe that God has great things in store for PCS in the present and in the future. We will quickly go to work listening and learning from the PCS community as we put together a strategic plan. We will gather input from many different groups and will be 100% committed to our school’s mission as we chart the course for the next few years. This strategic plan will help us provide a clear vision to our community and help us set goals and objectives while also providing a road map for us to use on our journey to be all that God has ordained for Presbyterian Christian School.”

Jimmy continues, “Our family looks forward to meeting each of you and to going ALL IN for PCS. Thank you again for providing me this opportunity and for trusting me to help lead Presbyterian Christian School. We are praying for you and ask that you pray for us as we transition to the Hattiesburg community and to the PCS Family.”

Read Jimmy Messer’s full letter to the PCS Family here.

Mr. Jimmy Messer will assume the full reigns as Presbyterian Christian School’s Head of School on June 1st, but hopes to join us on campus this spring in order to make the transition as smooth as possible.

Please join us in giving Jimmy Messer and his family a warm PCS Bobcat Welcome!

A MEDIA AVAILABILITY and public meet and greet event will be scheduled in the weeks to come.

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For more information and media inquiries, please contact Director of Communications, Kami Bonner via email at kmbonner@pcsk12.org or by phone at 765-215-1334.

Read Jimmy’s letter here: