After two years of service and dedication, Clear Moore will depart as the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science’s director of academic affairs. 

As the graduating class of 2023 moves toward the next step of their lives, Moore also will move into a new position: director for the Student Success Center at the Mississippi University for Women. 

Moore came to MSMS in 2021 with many far-reaching aspirations. Her background in school culture and diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility has brought an emphasis on enrichment to the school and students. 

“It’s really hard to put it into words. I was afraid when I moved into administration that I’d lose one-on-one contact with students, which is the thing that makes most educators want to be an educator,” Moore said. “But in this role, I’ve really been able to have that contact with students partially because I had to teach the College and Career Readiness course to the entire student body but also because of my background. I’ve been able to keep a connection with students and an even bigger connection with faculty who also influence students.” 

Her impact has been felt all across campus and her departure will be deeply felt across the student body. 

“Dr. Moore has been a fantastic rock in the MSMS community. Her advocacy for mental health has really made her unique as an administrator,” senior Hilldana Tibebu said. “I loved her programs like the book study she ran last year and all the support she had for the Black History Month programs and the Feminism Club. She’s really been a voice for the student body.” 

Moore’s time here has been important to her as well. Playing a prominent role in student life and academics, she’s been nothing if not involved. 

“I have so many good memories. Everything from going to sporting events and cheering on our teams to seeing the research symposium and seeing the student plays,” Moore said. “It’s been a really easy position to make part of my life and not just my job.” 

Outside of student involvement, Moore has left lasting memories with her colleagues in administration. 

“Dr. Moore has been my sounding board and voice of reason since arriving. We have shared many memorable moments together and created a lasting bond,” Director of Student Affairs Leann Alexander said. “This journey was adventurous but worth every moment. I’m incredibly sad to see her leave, but excited about her future.” 

Alongside Alexander, MSMS Admissions Coordinator Alysia Lajune said she shares a deep appreciation for Moore’s presence. 

“Her efforts to strengthen the culture of inclusivity at MSMS were immediate and impactful, and those efforts contributed significantly to my own sense of belonging and purpose here. The strength of her convictions, her determination to do what is right, without regard to personal costs has left a deep and lasting impression on me,” Lajune said. “I can only hope to live up to the example of selfless courage that she walks in daily. There will be a void without her, but I’m celebrating this next chapter in her career.” 

At MUW, Moore will continue to pay her love for education and student agency forward. 

MSMS Associate Executive Director Ginger Tedder will take over the academic affairs position as Moore’s replacement. Tedder’s previous position will go unfilled. 

“I think Ms. Tedder is extremely qualified, and I think she’ll do a great job. I think she also really cares about students and she has a heart for students, families and teachers. I think she’ll bring heart, as well as experience, to the position and that she’ll do a great job,” Moore said. 

Though Moore has left perennial impressions on the MSMS community, there have been three people who she recalls leaving similar marks on her life. 

“There are two people who I’d really like to thank for everything they meant to me professionally and personally since I’ve been here. The first is Dr. McConnell [the previous executive director]. He was here the first six months I was and I’ve learned so much from him through his mentorship and leading by example. He is a really astounding leader. He was invaluable and I have so much respect for him,” Moore said. “I could not have any way been as effective in this position without Ms. LeAnn Alexander. She and I are a team. We make most big decisions together and she has been so wise and welcoming to me. She is an amazing administrator and a real asset to this school.” 

Moore also included Lajune in her personal thank you’s. 

“She has been an amazing help to me and kept advancement and academics working smoothly together though there have been two directors in two years and months with no director in her office,” Moore said. 

One of Moore’s larger responsibilities this past year was preparing MSMS for re-accreditation — a process that happens every five years. This consisted of piles of paperwork, interviews, walkthroughs and much dedication from Moore. In order to pass the accreditation process with no further conditions, an institution must have one noteworthy practice. 

Cognia’s re-accreditation review of MSMS stated the school “demonstrated a profound commitment to cultivating and sustaining a positive culture that demonstrates respect, fairness, equity, and inclusion for stakeholders. A formal structure is planned and implemented to promote a culture and climate in which learners receive support from adults and peers.” 

This recognition is a response to the hard work of many, including Moore. MSMS educators pride themselves in the diverse and inclusive environment the school fosters, and this environment incorporates many of the programs Moore implemented during her time here. Start with Hello Week, Diversity and Inclusion Seminars, the Beverly Tatum book study and the Current Conversations in Feminism discussions are all examples of projects in which Moore played a vital role. 

“While at MSMS, Dr. Moore demonstrated in words and actions her commitment to seeing students, faculty, and staff as whole people. In both individual and institutional ways, she worked to dismantle systems that created unnecessary obstacles for students and faculty so that we could all focus on the most important thing: learning,” foreign language teacher Lori Pierce said. “For faculty, this experience of being seen as a whole person was one of her greatest achievements, and we hope the environment for this she created will remain.”