Lincoln County Schools has announced that Dr. Amanda Pickens has been named the 2024-2025 Principal of the Year! As the principal of Highland Rim School, Dr. Pickens has made a positive impact on the lives of her students and the school community.
Born and raised in Madison County, Alabama, Dr. Pickens is deeply rooted in her community. She resides there with her husband, Scott, and their three children: Christa (17), Bella-Kate (11), and Max (5). Her family is a source of inspiration and support, motivating her to strive for excellence in education.
Dr. Pickens's educational journey began at Athens State University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. She furthered her education by obtaining a master’s degree in Teaching and Learning from Nova Southeastern University. Her passion for leadership and commitment to educational excellence led her to complete her doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis at East Tennessee State University.
With over a decade of experience in the Lincoln County Schools, Dr. Pickens has demonstrated her dedication to teaching and leadership. She began her career in 2011 at Flintville Elementary, where she taught kindergarten and first grade, and served as the K-2 Teacher Leader. In 2017, Dr. Pickens took on the role of assistant principal at Unity School, where she honed her leadership skills and positively influenced the school environment.
In 2020, Dr. Pickens joined Highland Rim School as an assistant principal, and her leadership journey culminated in her appointment as principal in 2022. Dr. Bill Heath stated, “she continues to inspire not only her students but also her colleagues, making a lasting impact on the field of education”.