Gloria Jemison is now retired. Previously, she was assistant superintendent for Federal Programs Administration for the Birmingham City Schools in Birmingham. Jemison previously served as director of K-8 Middle Schools for the Birmingham City Schools, after having served as the district's executive director of professional development. Jemison was formerly principal of Huffman High School in Birmingham, which had been designated "at-risk." Under her leadership, student attendance and achievement at the school soared and the attrition rate among teachers declined sharply. She achieved these improvements through strong discipline, incentive programs, supplementary academics, effective staff development, and a renewed emphasis on excellence. One of Jemison's innovations is the implementation of a Drug-Free Schools program for which she received a commendation from the White House. She served as a panel chair on the U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon Schools Committee and was named Principal of the Year by the Birmingham City Schools in 1996.
1968 Alabama State University, B.A.
