The board of directors of Pike Liberal Arts School announced Tuesday that Becky Baggett will be the school’s new headmaster by unanimous approval of the 16-member board.
Baggett has served as assistant headmaster to Ceil Sikes at Pike Liberal Arts School for the past two years.
Maria Strother, board chair, said the board of directors is extremely pleased to have someone with Baggett’s experience and working knowledge of the school to continue leading PLAS forward.
“Mrs. Baggett is a proven educator and administrator,” Strother said. “She has served 26 years as a teacher and eight years as a headmaster before coming to Pike Liberal Arts two years ago to serve as the assistant headmaster.”
Strother said Baggett will begin her duties on June 1, 2014.
“Until then, Mrs. Sikes remains the headmaster and she and Mrs. Baggett will be working together to make the transition as easy as possible for everyone,” Strother said. “We look forward to the continued success of Pike Liberal Arts School as Mrs. Baggett begins her term as headmaster.”
Baggett said she is humbled and honored by the confidence the board of directors has placed in her.
“I was told that I had the support of the teachers and parents and that some of the students told the board they would like to have me as their headmaster,” Baggett said. “That means so much to me.
“I’m just a Pike County country girl, but I love Troy and Pike County and I love Pike Liberal Arts School. It is an honor for me to be headmaster here.”
Although Baggett said she never anticipated being headmaster at PLAS, she welcomes the opportunity.
“The family atmosphere at Pike Liberal Arts makes us rather unique,” she said. “And, we are able to start each school day with scripture and prayer and that plays a huge role in the building of character in kids.”
Having been assistant headmaster at PLAS for two years, Baggett is familiar with the school’s curriculum, programs and activities and with the students. She has been a part of developing and communicating the school’s vision for the future. “At PLAS, we are always expanding and improving the curriculum to prepare our students for the career opportunities that will be available to them,” Baggett said. “E-books are the books of the future so we will introduce them at PLAS.
“I would like for character education to be a part of every school week. Young people need all of the positive reinforcement we can provide for them. Christian influences can make a difference in the lives of children. I want to be a Christian influence in the lives of the students at PLAS.”
Baggett said she and Sikes are working together to make the transition.
“Mrs. Sikes hired me and brought me here and the transition will be an easy one,” she said. “I am so appreciative for this opportunity and, as long as we follow the Lord’s plan and do His will, PLAS is going to be all right.”