Dr. Travis L. Schrimsher Jr. has been hired as an assistant principal at James Clemens High School.

He will lead The Academy and Alternative School. “I want to see it develop to fruition. Already I’m working with all of the stakeholders to see what direction we need to take in that area,” Schrimsher said. “The Academy can be one of the best things going for our kids here in Madison.”

Choosing to enter the field of education, Schrimsher wanted “to make a difference in the world by helping those who need it most … kids.”

“I have truly been around so many wonderful children around all of my career stops. To honor one or two would be a dishonor to all the rest,” he said about naming an outstanding student. “I’ll just say that seeing students develop into well-rounded adults is the ultimate goal of an educator, and I have been privy to that many times.”

Most recently, Schrimsher served as assistant principal at Bob Jones High School and was principal for 2012 summer school. During this work, he served on the school literacy and strategic teaching teams. Before his work as administrator, he taught social science and was offensive and strength coordinator for Bob Jones football.

Before working in Madison, Schrimsher taught and coached at Smyrna High School in Rutherford County (Tenn.) Schools and at Millington Central High School with Shelby County Schools in Memphis. His first teaching assignment was at Lake City High School with Florence County (S.C.) School District from 1998-2000.

A native of Elkmont, Schrimsher earned a bachelor’s degree at Athens State University. At Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, he received a master’s degree in educational leadership and a doctorate degree in leadership and professional practice. Schrimsher also completed graduate coursework at Francis Marion University in Florence, S.C.

His wife Nikki works as a transfer specialist at Athens State. Their daughter Sophia Nicole is 22 months old. They attend Friendship United Methodist Church. In Athens, he serves on the city’s board of zoning appeals and Athens State Alumni Board of Directors.