RMA names new head of middle school

Tom Stevens, Headmaster of Rocky Mount Academy, announced Friday that Rocky Mount native Vanessa Murray Smith has been named the new head of Middle School, effective July 1. Her appointment culminated a 10-month nationwide search that included candidates from California to New Hampshire. “As we looked for the best leader of students and teachers, as we looked for someone with energy and creativity, Mrs. Smith emerged as the strongest amongst a strong group of candidates,” Stevens explained.

Smith joined the RMA faculty this past August as a Lower School teacher after completing a successful career in public schools. She served as the principal of both Red Oak Elementary and Spring Hope Elementary schools for 11 years, combined. She was the assistant principal at Spring Hope Elementary from 1993-96, and prior to that position, she taught in the classroom for 16 years. While at Red Oak Elementary, she was NRMS Principal of the Year and was the Principal of an N.C. School of Distinction for six of the eight years at Red Oak. Smith received her undergraduate degree in education, her Masters in Education, and her Educational Administration Certification from East Carolina University.

“I have personally seen the vitality of Mrs. Smith in her classroom and as she has interacted with students, parents, other teachers, and administrators," Stevens said. "Always positive, Mrs. Smith brings years of experience in problem- solving, teacher development, and working with parents. She is well respected and has been seen as a wonderfully positive, innovative force wherever she has worked.”

In addition to the headmaster, Smith will be working closely with RMA’s Head of Lower School Beth Covolo and Head of Upper School Rebecca Watkins. The division heads work together to align the curriculum across divisions for the purpose of meeting the educational goals from PK through 12th grade and to effect a smooth transition between divisions. Smith will oversee 6th-8th grades, which will have approximately 100 students in the 2009-10 year. The total student population at RMA this year is 446.

“I look forward to working with the Middle School students, staff, and families. The ‘family atmosphere’ we have here and the academic offerings at the middle school level challenge and excite students," Smith said. " I feel I have found a community with strong values and the commitment to nurturing the whole child. That’s what makes RMA so special.”

For 40 years, RMA has been providing the non-sectarian independent school option to Rocky Mount area families. It currently serves students from Nash, Edgecombe, Halifax, Martin, Wake, Warren, and Wilson counties. Since its first graduating class in 1971, 95 percent of its graduates have gone on to attend college after high school graduation.