By Pam Starling

University of Mississippi

More than 250 high school students from around the world are finding the right fit in their educational journey through the University of Mississippi High School, which continues to meet the growing need for options that help students complete individual high school courses as well as complete degrees online.

After graduating 14 full-time students with their high school diplomas this spring, administrators are working to keep moving forward as the program adds more full-time staff and increases offerings this summer.

“There are a lot of moving parts, but we want to continue to offer the highest-caliber program possible,” said Ellen Shelton, UM executive director of pre-college programs.

In May, UMHS faculty member Thomas Herrington, of Oxford, took on a new role as the full-time UMHS principal and coordinator. Besides full-time teaching duty with Oxford School District for the past 10 years, Herrington has served as an instructor with UMHS for English III, German I, Ancient Middle Eastern History and ACT/SAT Preparation courses for the past six years.

“Thomas brings a strong knowledge of online education in the K-12 setting to our program,” Shelton said.

“He is a well-rounded, curriculum-based instructor who knows how to help struggling students and special populations. I am beyond thrilled to have him join our team full time.”

Krystal Rae Baker, a native of Los Angeles, became the new enrollment and records assistant for UMHS last month. She has been working as a graduate assistant with the program since 2013, which helped with the transition.

“I really enjoy working with all of our students, parents and instructors,” Baker said. “It’s rewarding to be a part of helping our students succeed in their goals.”

New courses are regularly in development to add to the wide range of options for students looking to expand their knowledge base. This fall, Herrington is preparing a new credit course on world religions.

The UMHS program enrolls students anytime throughout the year and offers more than 50 online courses for high school credit. Find out more at http://www.outreach.olemiss.edu/hsathome/.