UPIKE Newsroom

The University of Pikeville (UPIKE) honored the 2024 inductees of the Distinguished Educators Hall of Fame at a ceremony held on October 1, in Booth Auditorium. 

Since 2010, UPIKE has carried on the annual tradition of celebrating those educators whose contributions to learning have inspired generations of students, providing them with steadfast support in their life-long commitment to the field of education.

This year’s inductees included Ashley Adams of Pikeville, Melissa Davis of River, Jennifer Ellis of McCarr, Candace Fleming of Pikeville, David Gibson of Salyersville, Stephanie Hammonds of Oil Springs, Heather Nicole Kidd of Canada, Anna Shepherd of Staffordsville, Robert Simpson of Wallins, and Bethany Thompson of Pikeville. 

Ashley Adams (‘03) graduated from Pikeville College with a degree in secondary education and earned a master’s in counseling from Morehead State University. She began her career at Betsy Layne High School, where she chaired the mathematics department. Since 2010, she has taught at Pikeville High School, currently teaching AP statistics, AP calculus, algebra 2 and trigonometry. She also serves as chairperson of the mathematics department and vice-chairperson of the School-Based Decision-Making Council. Beyond teaching, Adams is active in statewide education efforts, including the Committee for Mathematics Achievement and various leadership roles in Kentucky’s education system. She sponsors the Pikeville Interact Club, leading community service projects such as blanket drives for nursing homes and assistance for the homeless. Her accomplishments include being a finalist for the 2020 Valvoline Kentucky Teacher of the Year and being named the 2024 Appalachian News Express Best in the Valleys Best School Teacher. She and her husband Brandon have two children, Kelcie and Cole. 

Melissa Davis (‘18) is the principal of Highland Elementary School in the Johnson County school district, where she has served in an administrative capacity for nearly seven years. Prior to this role, she spent 18 years teaching eighth-grade mathematics at Johnson County Middle School, where she also coached girls’ basketball for nearly a decade. Her career has been marked by a strong commitment to both academics and athletics, fostering leadership among students. In addition to her professional role, Davis is actively involved in several organizations, including the Kentucky Education Association, the Kentucky Association of School Administrators, and the Kentucky Colonel program. She is also deeply committed to community service, supporting initiatives to aid students, the homeless and other vulnerable populations. Davis has been recognized with multiple awards, including induction into the Johnson Central High School Hall of Fame. She is married to Bubby Davis, the pastor of Eastside Freewill Baptist Church in Thelma, Kentucky, where they have served in ministry together for more than 19 years. They have two children, Jules, and Trey. The family recently welcomed a golden retriever named Tilly.

Jennifer Ellis (‘81) is a Pikeville College graduate specializing in mathematics for grades four through eight. She currently teaches eighth-grade math at Belfry Middle School, where she has been shaping young minds since 2009. Prior to this, she taught at Runyon Elementary School from 2002 to 2008. Ellis holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and mathematics, a Master of Arts in Teaching from Morehead State University, and additional certifications in school administration and instructional leadership from Bellarmine University. She also earned her P-4 Teacher Certification from the University of the Cumberlands. Beyond her professional work, Ellis is deeply involved in her community. She is an active member of the McAndrews Church of Christ, where she serves as the primary Sunday school teacher. She is also affiliated with the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, reflecting her dedication to her profession. She and her husband Lee enjoy family time with sons Andrew and Christopher, and daughter-in-law Carrie. 

Candace Fleming (‘04) started her teaching career in 2005, specializing in middle and high school science and mathematics. Fleming holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Pikeville College and a Master of Science in Education from Walden University, focusing on integrating technology into the classroom. Fleming’s teaching journey began at Millard School, where she taught sixth and seventh-grade science for 15 years. She later served as a GearUp Academic Interventionist at East Ridge High School, where she provided targeted math interventions to help students excel academically. In 2024, she joined Pikeville High School as a math teacher, continuing her passion for making a difference in students’ lives. In addition to her teaching roles, Fleming has contributed to school leadership as a Site-Based Council Member, Leadership Team participant, and Teacher Leader. She has also been recognized for her outstanding contributions to education, receiving the prestigious Rediford Damron Excellence in Teaching Award in 2005. Fleming is deeply involved in her community, actively volunteering with the 4H Adult Council since 2016, where she has served as treasurer and continues to participate in summer camps. She shares her life with fellow educator and husband, UPIKE Associate Professor of Education Johnny Fleming. 

David Gibson is a dedicated educator and administrator with an extensive career in Kentucky’s school systems. He earned his bachelor’s degree in social science from Morehead State University followed by a master’s degree in instructional leadership. He began his career as a social studies teacher and coach in Magoffin County, roles he holds closest to his heart. Throughout his career, he has held numerous leadership positions, including director of personnel, director of student services, and safe schools coordinator in Magoffin County Schools, where he was instrumental in improving student attendance and overseeing rebuilding efforts after the devastation of the 2012 tornado. Gibson became the first superintendent in Kentucky to be hired for a state-managed school system when he took over leadership of Breathitt County Schools in 2015, helping the district regain stability after a period of turmoil. Most recently, he served as superintendent of Paintsville Independent Schools, where his leadership saw significant academic and athletic improvements, as well as the creation of a K-12 Economic Development and Entrepreneurial Center. Under his guidance, Paintsville Schools excelled, earning national recognition and raising millions for new initiatives. Despite his professional success, Gibson considers his most important role to be that of husband and father to his wife of 26 years, Anna Grace, and their two sons, Ryan and Brett.

Stephanie Hammonds (‘94) has devoted more than thirty years to the field of special education. A graduate of Pikeville College, she began her journey after discovering her passion for helping students with dyslexia. She earned her degree in learning and behavior disorders and later pursued a master’s degree from Morehead State University. In 2017, she became a National Board Certified Teacher as an Exceptional Needs Specialist, a certification she maintained in 2021. Currently, Hammonds serves as a special education teacher and Job Corps instructor at Paintsville High School and the Carl D. Perkins Job Corps Center. She is an active member of the Kentucky Education Association and the Kentucky Educational Development Corporation Transition Cadre. In 2023, Hammonds was named the Council for Exceptional Children’s Special Education Teacher of the Year. Beyond her professional accomplishments, she is deeply involved in her community. She actively participates in animal rescue efforts, serves as a Vacation Bible School teacher, and is a member of the Stone Crest RC Flyers. She is also a committed member of her local church, where she plays a key role in various activities. She and her husband, Shaun, have two children, Wayne and Katie. 

Heather Nicole Kidd serves as a fourth-grade math and science teacher at Bevins Elementary in Sidney, where she is actively involved in leadership roles, including the Instructional Leadership Team and Site-Based Council. She is also a math PLC facilitator and has mentored student teachers throughout her career. Before joining Bevins Elementary in 2016, Kidd taught 5th-grade math and served as an elementary academic coach at Mullins School in Pikeville. Her early career began as a fifth-grade math tutor at Johns Creek School in Meta, where she also served as a Too Good for Drugs Educator. She earned her Rank I certification from the Kentucky Educational Development Corporation and holds a Master of Arts in school counseling and a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education from Morehead State University. She also has an Associate of Arts degree from KCTCS-Big Sandy. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Kidd is deeply committed to her community. She is an active member of her church, where she volunteers and works with youth, extending her passion for education beyond the classroom. Together, she and her husband Jason have three children, Kaylee, Jase and Addie Lynn. 

Anna Shepherd is a retired educator who served as the Superintendent of Floyd County Schools until August 1, 2024. A native of Magoffin County, Shepherd began her educational career after earning her associate’s degree at Prestonsburg Community College. She obtained additional certifications from the University of Pikeville, Morehead State University, and the University of Kentucky. With more than 32 years in education, Shepherd’s roles included primary school teacher, curriculum resource teacher, and chief early childhood officer. Under her leadership, Floyd County Schools achieved a 5-star rating for all early childhood classrooms. She also led significant initiatives like the Literacy, Learning, and Lunch Program and the Preschool Bus on Wheels. Her contributions have been recognized with awards such as Superintendent of the Year (2024) and the Kentucky School Board Association’s PEAK Award (2019). She was a member of the Governor’s Early Childhood Advisory Council (2011-2018) and has been active with the Kentucky Women in Education Leadership CEOs and the Floyd County Rotary Club. Shepherd enjoys spending family time with her husband Carlos Smith, daughter Vanessa and son-in-law Cameron Grossl. 

Robert Simpson has been an educator at Wallins Elementary School since 1999. He began his journey in education as a math teacher and transitioned into his current role as assistant principal, continuing to serve the school with dedication and leadership. Simpson holds a bachelor’s degree in education from Union College, a master’s degree in educational administration, and earned his Rank I in Supervision of Instruction. Throughout his career, he has been an active member of the Kentucky Education Association and the Kentucky Association of School Administrators. In addition to his educational work, Simpson has been deeply involved in community service. He served on the Harlan County Rescue Squad for 17 years and coached both football and basketball. His commitment to student safety and well-being is evident through his participation in Wallins Elementary’s Threat Assessment and Trauma-Informed Teams, as well as his role on the Site-Based Decision-Making Council. Simpson resides in Kentucky with his wife, April, and their two sons, Evan and Ethan.

Bethany Thompson (‘03) is a passionate educator and community advocate. With 21 years of teaching experience in Pike County Schools, Thompson has taught math at Johns Creek Elementary and is currently instructing algebra, geometry and advanced courses at Pike Central High School. Additionally, she serves as a school bus driver. Her contributions extend beyond the classroom through her involvement in various committees, the Flipped Classroom Project, and leadership roles such as math department chair. She also sponsors the National Honor Society, Beta Club, participates in the Barr program, and helps coach an elementary cheer team. Married to Chad Thompson, the principal of Johns Creek Elementary, she is an integral part of a blended family with eight children. Her large family includes Blake and wife Alyssa, Aly and husband Matthew, Blair and husband Kendall, Ben, Luke, Bree, Eli, and Lydia, along with their grandchild, Hadley. Active in community service, Thompson offers piano lessons and is a member of the Coal Run Church of Christ. She volunteers at school, supports her children’s extracurricular activities, and has a deep commitment to adoption advocacy, having adopted two children from China. Her educational achievements include graduating as valedictorian from Pikeville College in 2003, earning a master’s degree from Walden University in integrating technology in the classroom and being a national board certified Teacher for 15 years.