From the University School of Jackson
The University School of Jackson is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Shane Jacobs as the new Head of Upper School, effective July 1, succeeding Mr. David Suber, who is relocating to South Carolina. USJ is also introducing a newly created role—Middle and Upper School Dean of Faculty—which will be filled by long-time faculty member and department chair Mr. Jimmy Glosson.
Dr. Jacobs brings extensive experience in educational leadership, having most recently served as Career and Technical Education (CTE) Director for the Trenton Special School District. His administrative background includes serving as principal at Peabody High School from 2021 to 2023, while simultaneously leading the institution’s football program since 2015. Dr. Jacobs began his career teaching high school math and has held roles including assistant principal and safety director. He holds a Doctorate in Education from Union University, underscoring his commitment to academic excellence and educational leadership.
“Shane is a proven leader and brings a wealth of experience in building relationships, supporting students, running school operations, and implementing strategic initiatives,” said Don Roe, Head of School. “His strong reputation in West Tennessee is well deserved. I’ve known him as a man of high character, and his skill set will be a tremendous asset to USJ’s Upper School. We are excited to welcome him to our leadership team.”
“I am thrilled to join the team of highly skilled educators and leaders at USJ,” said Dr. Jacobs. “USJ has a reputation for delivering rigorous academics, competitive athletics, and outstanding arts programs. The excellence established at USJ and continued through the school’s current leadership fosters the development and growth of all motivated students. I look forward to working with Mr. Glosson and the Upper School faculty.”
In a strategic enhancement of the school’s academic leadership structure, USJ has created the position of Middle and Upper School Dean of Faculty. Mr. Jimmy Glosson, known to students as Señor Glosson, will assume this role while maintaining his teaching responsibilities and continuing to chair the World Languages and Cultures Department, where he has been instrumental since 1997.
Mr. Glosson has made significant contributions to USJ’s academic framework through his comprehensive redesign of the foreign language curriculum, establishment of the Advanced Placement Language Program, 16 international educational experiences since 1998, and the design of USJ’s rotating schedule. Under his academic guidance, USJ students have achieved remarkable outcomes in AP Spanish Language, maintaining a 95% success rate and an impressive average score of 4.0 for over 20 years. He holds a Master of Arts in Education in Instruction and Curriculum from Union University and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from the University of Memphis.
“Being a teacher is one of my proudest achievements,” said Mr. Glosson. “As Dean of Faculty for USJ’s Middle and Upper Schools, I hope to offer affirmation, advice, encouragement, and mentorship to our most valuable resources – our teachers. Working in tandem with Dr. Jacobs in the Upper School, as well as the rest of the administration team, I have no doubt that we will surpass even our storied history of excellence in the coming years at USJ.”
As Dean of Faculty, Mr. Glosson will focus on supporting and developing USJ’s talented educators—working closely with faculty to enhance instruction and provide guidance through the evolving challenges of modern education. Importantly, he will continue his day-to-day work in the classroom, remaining closely connected to students and the teaching profession.
“Jimmy is a master teacher who exemplifies everything we want a USJ educator to be—both inside and outside the classroom,” said Roe. “His instructional leadership, passion for students, and dedication to academic excellence make him a natural choice for this important new role.”
These leadership appointments mark an exciting step forward for USJ’s Upper School as we continue to strengthen our academic programs, empower our faculty, and inspire students to reach their full potential. Dr. Jacobs will be formally introduced to the faculty and staff on campus on Friday, April 4.
(PHOTO: Shane Jacobs, left, and Jimmy Glosson)
