Felicia Pollard

Hometown
Pontotoc, MS ()
Quick Intro
With almost twenty years of service in public education in Mississippi, I am proud to be a four time graduate of The University of Mississippi. I began my career as an elementary teacher in the Tupelo Public School District. I had the opportunity to work with some wonderful teachers and leaders, before teaching in the Pontotoc City Schools, where I earned my National Board Certification, before leaving to be part of the third cohort of The Mississippi Principal Corps. After receiving my specialist in educational leadership, I remained on staff with the Lafayette County School District for a decade. Four years ago I had the opportunity to return to my home district as a an administrator and have been able to serve my community as a director of academic technology, district testing coordinator, director of gifted services, director of curriculum and instruction and also as the director of the Pontotoc Early Learning Collaborative. In addition to my work in Pk-12 I have also had the opportunity to serve as an adjunct instructor with Teacher Education and Leadership and Counselor Education with the School of Education in for the last decade. One of my greatest joys that has come from working in my hometown is the ability to work closely with community foundations to raise funds for education and wrap around services to serve students in a greater educational community. I look forward to serving on this board as a way to give back to my alma mater.

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Felicia Pollard

Meet Felicia Pollard

Dr. Felicia Pollard is a four-time graduate of the School of Education, earning a B.A.Ed. Elementary Education in 2005, a M.Ed, Curriculum & Instruction in 2006, an Ed.S, Educational Leadership (Principal Corps) in 2012, and an Ed.D. Elementary Education in 2019. Dr. Pollard joined the Board of Advisors in Fall of 2024.

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What led you to want to serve on the School of Education Board of Advisors?

I have loved The University my whole life. I came to college knowing I wanted to be an educator. From the moment I sat in my first advising meeting, I knew I was home. I want every education major to have the same joy I feel when I walk the halls, this isn't a school for me, this is home. The faculty are my mentors, they are my sounding board, my life coaches. I want to serve in a capacity where I can help each student feel that connection to our faculty.

Why did you choose to attend UM and the School of Education?

I was born a rebel, and I was born to an educator, but I chose the School of Education, because of the long standing reputation for excellence. I stayed and continued to earn graduate degrees from the School of Education because of the mentorship provided by the faculty. You aren't a number at the SOE, you have a name, you have a place, you have community here, that is why I chose the UM SOE over and over again.

Tell us about your favorite professor(s) at the School of Education? How did they make a positive impact on your professional and personal pursuits?

I can't name just one. I had the opportunity to have legends in the field of education. 20 something years ago I learned to teach reading under Dr. Martha Chamblis and Dr. Jerilou Moore. They cared about my hobbies as much as they cared about my phonics instruction. I earned my gifted endorsement under Dr. Cindy Leigh, who was as magical as an elementary teacher could be. I learned to lead with guidance from Dr. Susan McClellan and Dr. Dennis Bunch. I learned the importance of qualitative research with Dr. Doug Davis. With the top notch staff on hand you can't name just one memorable professor. These professors are to this day with the exception of Dr. Chamblis, just a phone call or an email away from the advice I need. The impact of having this type of support is immeasurable.

Tell us about your proudest moment in education.

In the last 20 years, I've had many moments where I've been thankful I chose this path. I have been proud when a student learned to read, or I walked across the stage with a degree. I enjoyed earning National Board Certification and I was proud to defend my dissertation, but looking back I'm not sure I have just one moment that stands out. The call from the superintendent when my C rated school grew to an A was meaningful. Being asked to come back to my home town to serve as an administrator and being allowed to pour into my community to grow the greater learning community has been pretty special as well.

Do you have any advice for our current students?

To the current students of the UM School of Education, look up from your devices. Take your earbuds out. Get to know your professors. Ask them about their path in education, their hobbies, their families. Ask those teachers for advice about jobs and courses. Get involved. Volunteer. Your time as a college student is fleeting, soak this in.