June 23, 2025 — Five award recipients have been announced for this year’s inaugural EmpowerEd Educator Awards, sponsored by the nonprofit Leaders Education Foundation. Recipient Dr. Kristle Hodges Johnson, executive director of University High School at the University of Memphis, said she was humbled when notified about the award.
“Knowing that other educators understand and appreciate what University High School is accomplishing in these first few years, as part of our Innovative School District brings me joy,” she said.
The Empowering School Award recognizes school administrators who “demonstrate visionary leadership,” according to the nonprofit’s website. Shea Brown, the director of Community Impact for Leaders Education Foundation, said nominations are made by peers, friends and family. Of 55 total submissions for this specific award, Hodges Johnson was selected from a pool of seven finalists.
“Dr. Kristle Hodges Johnson’s commitment to student success and innovative educational programs placed her in the forefront of the finalists for this award, and we are pleased to honor her for her dedication,” Brown said.
“University High School has grown to be one of the most academically successful, rigorous and innovative schools in the nation under Dr. Hodges Johnson’s leadership,” said Dr. Sally Parish, UofM vice provost and director of University Schools. “She has made it her mission to ensure she is building a school in which every student can succeed and reach their post-secondary goals — whatever those may be. We are fortunate to have her at University Schools.”
Brown said the inspiration behind this inaugural award ceremony was to raise awareness and funding for the Leaders Education Foundation. Founded in 2019, the non-profit has awarded over $500,000 in scholarships, grants and program support throughout West Tennessee. The intention is to make this an annual event.
“We didn’t just want to host another fundraising event, we wanted to give back in a meaningful way, which is why we chose to honor local educators for their impact,” said Brown.
“I absolutely feel encouraged to keep working hard on behalf of the wonderful students, teachers and families that I have the privilege to serve,” Hodges Johnson said.
Hodges Johnson has been executive director of University High School since its founding in 2022. University Schools has operated on UofM’s campus as a training and lab school since 1912 and became Tennessee’s first university-operated K-12 public district in 2024.
Other award recipients for EmpowerEd are Caroline Yarbrough from Jackson-Madison County Schools; Meredith Kee from Jackson Christian School and Drs. Georg Pingen and Ken Newman from Union University. The award ceremony will be held on Thursday, Aug. 14 at the Carl Perkins Civic Center in Jackson, Tenn., hosted by best-selling author and Ramsey Solutions personality Dr. John Delony.
Media Contact:
Parker King, Assistant Director
University Media and Public Relations
University of Memphis
