Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in the May print edition but remains relevant despite its delayed online publication.

The decision to promote Tedder came months after the firing of former Executive Director Donnie Cook in September, which left Tedder to fill the role on an interim basis. Her move into the permanent position was voted on and approved by the Mississippi State Board of Education on April 18.

“Building strong partnerships for MSMS, assessing facilities, curriculum, student life and providing the best student experience possible are all key priorities for MSMS,” Tedder said. “MSMS was transformative for me, and I want that for future scholars. I feel blessed to have this opportunity.”

Before Cook’s firing, Tedder occupied the position of Director of Academic Affairs. During her time as Interim Executive Director, she juggled both positions. Now that Tedder’s position has been cemented, a new Academic Affairs Director is currently being recruited and vetted by a search committee Tedder said is “comprised of students, parents, staff, faculty and alumni.”

During Tedder’s time as Interim Executive Director, the Mississippi Department of Education began its search for a permanent candidate for the position. On Jan. 29, the MDE sent a public email to all MSMS stakeholders with a survey requesting opinions about the qualities and priorities of an executive director. The survey was brief, with multiple-choice answers ranging from “extremely important” to “not important.”

MDE Chief of Communication Jean Cook said the survey served to collect feedback from the MSMS student body and faculty.

“Feedback from that survey was coupled with information we received from the MSMS Faculty Senate around the qualities and suggested job requirements of the Executive Director,” Cook said. “These data sources helped inform our search process by ensuring the MDE considers community feedback.”

Tedder said her time as Interim Executive Director was a challenge but was made easier by the continued support of students and faculty members.

“I found it very easy to talk about a place you have experienced as a student, alumni and administrator [in the interview],” Tedder said.

Tedder said she intends to collaborate with MSMS stakeholders to uphold MSMS’s mission and communicate its place in Mississippi education.