Education leader named Director of UM DeSoto and Grenada campuses
April Holifield-Scott begins new role with eye on workforce readiness
By Pam Starling
Aug 9, 2024- The University of Mississippi has hired April Holifield-Scott, a 24-year veteran of teaching and administration with DeSoto County Schools and the Senatobia Municipal School District, as the new director for its higher education centers in Southaven and Grenada.
Workforce development is a priority for both these communities, and Holifield-Scott plans to use her experience and familiarity with both communities to help meet the area’s higher education needs.
“An educated workforce is crucial for the advancement of local businesses, companies and organizations in northwest Mississippi,” she said. “Higher education equips individuals with critical thinking skills, technical knowledge and the ability to innovate – qualities that are essential for driving business growth and adaptation in a rapidly changing economic landscape.”
Beginning her career as an English teacher at Southaven High School in 2000, Holifield-Scott has worked in DeSoto and Tate counties throughout her career.
During her time with DeSoto County Schools, she developed a PSAT program to help students in eight area high schools prepare for college entry exams. She also supported fellow teachers undergoing national board certification by serving as a mentor for the UM World Class Teaching Program.
She has taught at the college level for two decades as an adjunct English faculty member for Northwest Mississippi Community College at the University of Mississippi at DeSoto Center-Southaven.
Holifield-Scott has been tapped by the Mississippi Department of Education and the national accreditation of educator preparation to review curriculum, score state writing exams and evaluate teacher programs across the U.S.
Most recently, she served as assistant superintendent of the Senatobia Municipal School District, where she was the district leader for curriculum and instruction. She provided professional development for district employees and oversaw important initiatives such as drop-out prevention and community engagement.
Her extensive background in teaching and leadership has prepared Holifield-Scott to become the next leader of the UM-DeSoto and UM-Grenada campuses, said Ryan Niemeyer, UM assistant provost for regional education.
“With over 24 years of experience in roles across K-12 schools, community college and higher education, Dr. Holifield-Scott will bring fresh vision and unwavering commitment to these vital regional arms of the university,” he said.
“Her impressive track record in leadership, team building, strategic planning, community engagement and fiscal management ensures that UM-DeSoto and UM-Grenada will thrive under her guidance.”
Ole Miss has been offering academic courses in Southaven since 1968. The university partnered with Northwest Mississippi Community College to open the DeSoto Center in 1996.
Through the special “two plus two” academic program offered at the DeSoto Center, thousands of area residents have completed associate degrees through Northwest and walked across the hall to complete bachelor’s and master’s level degrees through UM.
The university has worked with Holmes Community College to offer bachelor’s and master’s degree programs on the Grenada campus of Holmes since 2008.
“Educational partnerships between the University of Mississippi and area community colleges at the DeSoto Center and Grenada campus are a game-changer for local residents,” Holifield-Scott said.
“These programs offer seamless educational pathways to create a workforce ready to meet tomorrow’s challenges and collaborations that increase accessibility to higher education, foster economic growth through skilled graduates and reinforce the importance of lifelong learning.
By linking arms with community colleges, UM is not just educating students; it’s powering local economies and building a community poised for prosperity.”
