HCDE announced today that the new principal of Nolan Elementary is Dr. Ashley Aldridge Wilson, an administrator returning home to Hamilton County. She grew up on Signal Mountain and taught there early in her education career. As a principal, she helped transform a traditional public school to be the first school in Tennessee to achieve AdvancEd Accreditation with STEM Certification.

Dr. Wilson started as a Pre-K teacher in the community in the voluntary program at Mary Ann Garber Elementary. She spent a year teaching in Orlando, Florida before finding a home on Signal Mountain as a teacher in Hamilton County spending six years working in second, third, and fourth grades at Thrasher Elementary.

Dr. Wilson moved into administration as assistant principal at Barger Academy of Fine Arts in 2006. She was also an assistant principal at Woodmore Elementary and Hardy Elementary. Dr. Wilson moved to Knox County in 2010 to become a principal. She has led Pleasant Ridge Elementary in Knox and Jack Anderson Elementary in Sumner County as a principal.

Dr. Wilson returns home from her current position as an early learning instructional coach in Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools. Dr. Wilson’s experience as a principal, education level, and knowledge of the community were all important to parents at Nolan Elementary in the principal search survey.

She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, a master’s and specialist’s from Tennessee Technological University, and a doctorate from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

“It is with great enthusiasm and joy that I return home to Signal Mountain to serve families in our community,” said Dr. Wilson. “Nolan has a rich tradition of academic excellence and teachers who have the reputation of caring deeply for children. I feel humbled to join the faculty and am honored to carry the torch of excellence forward as we continue to make a positive difference for children.”

This summer, Dr. Wilson plans to work with the Nolan staff, PTA, and other community leaders to ensure a smooth transition.