The Board of Trustees at Presbyterian Christian School has a narrow and clear scope of responsibilities limited to the following; (1) the selection and employment contract for the position of Head of School, (2) overseeing and approving the annual budget, and (3) contributing to a forward vision that holds true to the timeless mission of PCS.
Board of Trustees, President
Mrs. Ali Stayer has served as a member of the PCS Board since 2004. Ali is a graduate of Trinity Presbyterian School in Montgomery, and of Auburn University with a degree in Speech Communications. Professionally, she has worked in Christian education, has served her family at home in the vital work as a wife and a mother, and has become a regionally renown painter and artist featured in many galleries across Mississippi. You can learn more about her work at her featured link at Caron Gallery in Tupelo, Mississippi (https://thecarongallery.com/Artist/ali-stayer/). She is married to Dr. Phil Stayer, a veterinarian at Sanderson Farms. Together, they share five children; Walker (PCS Class of 2012), Sumner (PCS Class of 2014), Ramsay (PCS Class of 2015), Andrew (Class of 2020), and Lily (Class of 2021). They live in a beautiful home designed, in part, by Ali, and share their home with their schnauzer Toby, Labrador retriever Juna, and cat named Saroo.
Why does Ali love PCS? “I love the lifelong friends my children have made during their years at PCS, but what I have loved the most is how this school has operated in partnership with our family and our church to train our children in the Lord and in His Word. Over the years, our children have heard the Truths of God’s Word in our home, in our church, and in their school, and no price tag can be placed on that.”
Board of Trustees
Dr. Kevin Barker joined the Board of Trustees in 2023. Originally from South Carolina, Kevin and his family moved to Hattiesburg in 2008 after serving in the U.S. Air Force. He is a Gastroenterologist at Hattiesburg Clinic. Kevin and his wife, Erin, are graduates of the College of Charleston and have five daughters: Emma (Class of 2012), Abbie (Class of 2015), Ella (Class of 2017), Olivia (Class of 2018), and Avery (Pending Class of 2026). They are enjoying the natural expansion of their family with three sons-in-law and two grandchildren so far.
Why does Kevin love PCS? “PCS has been an exceptional experience for our daughters and us also. We have been blessed with a supportive, Christian education experience. We love that our daughters have excelled academically while maturing spiritually. The teachers and staff of PCS have been tremendous blessings for our family. We want to see PCS continue to faithfully educate and develop our children by focusing on Christian Truths, academic excellence, and stimulating extracurricular activities.”
Board of Trustees
Mrs. Claire Belknap joined the PCS Board in 2024. Claire is a graduate of Jackson Academy, earned an undergraduate degree in Communication (Journalism) from Mississippi College, and received a Master of Arts in Teaching Languages (TESOL) degree from the University of Southern Mississippi. Professionally, she has worked in communication and as an English teacher in the traditional classroom, as a tutor, and has taught non-native speakers at the English Language Institute as USM. Claire is married to Charles and has three children in the PCS classes of 2030, 2032, and 2036. As a former year-round swimmer, swim lesson teacher, and swim coach, Claire has enjoyed getting back into the sport in the last few years through volunteer coaching at Hub Fins and PCS. Claire enjoys going to ladies’ Bible study at her church, traveling, and spending time with her family.
Why does Claire love PCS? “I love the mission of the school and the employees who carry it out. The faculty and staff strive to provide rigorous academic instruction and opportunities for students to grow in sports, technology, and the arts, all while teaching students how to represent Christ in their attitudes and actions. I’m thankful for PCS because the Biblical truths being taught at school mirror the ones my children learn at home and at church. I look forward to seeing the ways the Lord blesses and uses our school to further His Kingdom.”
Board of Trustees
Mrs. Amber Hatten has served on the PCS Board since 2019. Amber is a two time graduate of The University of Southern Mississippi with her BSBA in Accounting, and a Masters of Professional Accounting (MPA). Professionally, Amber is a Certified Public Accountant and Professor of Practice/MPA Director at The University of Southern Mississippi. Her experience and skills with finance and accounting have been an exceptional blessing to the PCS Board. Amber is the proud wife to Christopher, and together they share in the blessing of their two children, Will (Class of 2026) and Caroline (Class of 2029). When Amber isn’t grading assignments or crunching numbers she enjoys traveling, attending all of the activities for her children, and simply spending time together as a family.
Why does Amber love PCS? “The Christian atmosphere is immediately evident when you walk through the doors. I am incredibly thankful for our amazing faculty and staff and how they go above and beyond for their students because of the calling they feel to work towards excellence in all that they do. The teachers genuinely love and pour themselves into our children, challenge them, and encourage them in so many ways each and every day. From the preschool through the high school, the love of Christ and the Biblical worldview is expertly woven into every class included in the curriculum. This intentional approach helps solidify the Scriptural Truths in a way that our children can hear, see, touch, and feel. It is my hope that these Truths will be ever-present in the lives of our PCS students. Working with college students, I understand first-hand how important a solid foundation is for success in higher education. With PCS providing a comprehensive college preparatory education, and exceptionally preparing its students with all of the academic, social, and spiritual disciplines necessary for success, I know that my children will be well-prepared to continue their education at the university level and cultivate their talents to prayerfully follow God’s direction to impact the world for Christ.”
Board of Trustees
Mr. Jim Johnson has served as a member of the PCS Board, on and off, since 1985. He graduated from The University of Southern Mississippi with his BS in English and Political Science, and earned his Juris Doctorate from Mississippi College School of Law. Jim works as a parent representative through Legal Services Corp in Youth Court, covering six counties. He is married to his bride of 45+ years, Terri, who also served PCS as a teacher and in administration for over twenty years. Jim and Terri have three children, Philip (married with three children, Austin, TX), Patrick (married with two children, Fairhope, AL), and Davis (PCS Class of 2005 and currently a math teacher at PCS Elementary and Assistant Soccer Coach). All of his children attended PCS. In his spare time, Jim enjoys traveling to see friends and relatives and keeping up with his five grandchildren.
Why does Jim love PCS? “There are too many things I love about PCS to try to count! Primarily though, the consistent push for Christ-minded and centered reasoning, instruction, and conversations. And, to that end, PCS’s concentrated efforts to preserve these beautiful Gospel truths in a firm, sensitive, and genuine way that has proven itself necessary in today’s world. Having been active and involved with PCS since the year 1980, our family cherishes the obvious blessings that have been realized over these many decades, and the impact this wonderful place and people have had on our sons and many, many more.”
Board of Trustees
Mr. Bill McIntosh has served as a member of the PCS Board since 2016. Bill earned his BS degree from The University of Southern Mississippi and works at Merit Health Wesley as a Billing Specialist and at Bay Street Presbyterian Church as their Music Director. While he wears many hats, his favorite hat to wear is that of “husband” to his wife Rebecca. Together, Bill and Rebecca share two beautiful daughters, Kathryn and Elizabeth, who are both proud PCS Alumni. In his spare time, Bill works down his “honey do list,” from Rebecca.
Why does Bill love PCS? “There are so many stand-out things about this school, but the obvious love and caring spirit that all the staff show for the students is at the top of my list. Year after year, there has been a remarkable level of talent displayed by our student body, including 53 National Merit Scholars since 2000. It is one thing to have a couple of impeccable students each year, but when your accumulated student body has earned over $58.7 million in scholarships, it becomes clear that, by the grace of God, PCS has the ‘right stuff’ to yield great success for our students.”
Board of Trustees
Mr. Kelly McMullan “graduated” from PCH in 1990 after completing 8th Grade, the highest grade offered at the time. He then went on to graduate from Hattiesburg High School, Auburn University, and the University of Mississippi School of Law. After spending sixteen years in Jackson, he moved back to Hattiesburg with his wife Lindsey, the best allergist in town, and sons Nathan (PCS Class of 2031), John and Tim (PCS Class of 2034). When he’s not working as an attorney for the Secretary of State for Mississippi, he’s camping with cub scouts, dad coaching, and bringing their dog Duchess to car line to see all her friends at school.
Why does Kelly love PCS? I love sending my children to an institution dedicated to teaching them not only about common school subjects like math and reading, but integrating this knowledge into the practice of their faith. Parenting is hard, and having the things you teach your kids at home reinforced in school is the ideal realized at PCS. We pray this prepares them for life and service to God. I also love the teachers, some of whom taught me a very, very short time ago!
Board of Trustees
Bio Coming Soon
Board of Trustees
After serving from 2017 to 2022, Lee Parish returns to the PCS Board of Trustees in 2024. Lee is a graduate of Prentiss Christian School and earned a degree in marketing from The University of Southern Mississippi. He is employed at Parish Tractor headquartered in Hattiesburg with multiple Kubota equipment dealerships across MS, AL and FL. He is married to his dream, Elizabeth, and they are blessed with four great kids, Liza (2026), Will (2028), Charlie (2030), and Annie (2032). In his spare time, you will find Lee at the lake with his family or on a tractor enjoying the land!
Why does Lee love PCS? “PCS has been awesome for our family from the very beginning. The teachers from kindergarten all the way to high school have been such a blessing for our kids by providing encouragement, discipline, and guidance. PCS has also given them a great education, but you can get that many other places. It is hard to duplicate the atmosphere of love and family like you will find here. My family chose PCS to further develop our kids as the 3rd leg of the stool….Home, Church, and School to develop our kids to not only know the Truth and Love of Christ, but to live it as they enter the ‘real world.’”
Board of Trustees
Mr. Mike Smith has served as a member of the PCS Board, on and off, since 1985. Mike is a graduate of The University of Southern Mississippi and is enjoying his retirement from a long time career with the City of Hattiesburg. Mike is married to his bride, Melissa, and together they have three children, Michael, Jason, and Drew (PCS Class of 2006). All five of Mike’s school eligible grandchildren attend PCS between the 7th and 11th grades. In his spare time he enjoys following his grandchildren, hunting, fishing, and attending athletic events.
Why does Mike love PCS? “My time in and around PCS has been such an edifying experience. I’ve seen the lives of students and their families touched by the hearts of those who serve in these hallways. I’ve seen lasting friendships form and stay linked for life. But most of all, the banner that hangs above every classroom, athletic event, administrator, and teacher is the absolute dependence and love of the Lord.”
PCS is fully accredited by MAIS and Cognia