I am very honored to be head principal in a community that is strongly devoted to academics and character development. The Charger pride has been passed down through generations and continues to flourish through the dedication of the parents and students of the Southaven community. Southaven High School is focused on student growth and success in academics, extra-curricular activities, and student character.

I am a proud graduate of Mississippi State University with a B.S. in Educational Psychology (04) and an M.S. in Counselor Education (07). I went on to get my Specialist in Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University in 2013. I have been a counselor in DeSoto County Schools for 8 years during which my time was spent at Southaven High School as the senior counselor and Southaven Intermediate School. Before coming back to Southaven High School, I was the head principal at Olive Branch Middle School and also served as Assistant Principal at Horn Lake Middle School and Lewisburg Middle School.

I have two amazing children. We are members of Getwell Church.

My name is Grant Alford and I am excited to be a member of the Southaven High School administrative team. I am married to my wife Mindy of 11 years and we have 9-year-old twins, Foster and Sadie.  I am a native of Senatobia, MS, and a proud graduate of Mississippi State University, where I earned a bachelor's degree in Sports Communication.  I also received a Masters's degree in Educational Leadership from Arkansas State. 

I am entering my 20th year in education. I have served as a substitute, bus driver, secondary math teacher, coach, and administrator during my time in education. With the last 8 years in administration.

My name is Kevin Jones and I am excited to be a member of the Southaven High School administrative team. I am married to my wife Kerri, and we have our daughter Jayla and son Aiden. I am a native of Hernando, MS, and a proud graduate of The University of Mississippi, where I earned a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and a master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on English/Language Arts. I also received a specialist's degree in Educational Leadership from Arkansas State.

I am entering my 15th year in education. I have served as a SPED assistant, secondary teacher, assistant athletic director, and a coach of multiple sports during my time in education.

Curious and reflective, Dr. Monifa Oni Johnson is a growing instructional leader. Her transition into administration began as a member of the New Leaders’ Aspiring Principals Program - Cohort 11. Dr. Johnson understands the power of challenging learners. She is passionate about learners making significant academic gains and believes in giving learners the space for productive struggle, discussion, and reflection.

Dr. Johnson is in her 20th year in the field of education. Throughout her time in education, she has served in various roles. She is most proud of being named Teacher of the Year; her students achieving the highest growth in her district on their state ELA assessment; presenting at The National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) Conference; and contributing to Nancy Steineke’s book, Classroom Management: Strategies for Achievement, Cooperation, and Engagement. In line with the mission of the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc., Dr. Johnson’s professional goal is to pursue excellence.

I am thrilled to join the administrative team at Southaven High School. I have been married to my husband, Brian, for 29 years, and we have five children: Chris, Jacob, Ben, Max, and Becca. I graduated from Ole Miss in 1999 with a Bachelor's in Education and later completed my Master's in Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University. After thirteen years as a teacher, I transitioned into administration and worked as an assistant principal at Lake Cormorant High. Most recently, I served as a high school specialist for the district for the past four years.

I am eager to be back in a school building full-time and to support students, teachers, and parents of Southaven High.

My name is Stephen "West" Carpenter, and I am excited to be part of Charger Nation. I graduated from Hernando High School in 2010. I attended Mississippi State University where I received a bachelor's degree in Secondary Education and later received my masters' degree from Arkansas State University in Educational Leadership. I have served as a general education teacher and special education teacher in both North Carolina and Mississippi. I now look forward to helping serve the community as an Assistant Principal.

I am married to my wife Stefanie, who also serves as a teacher in DeSoto County. We have three children: Eliana, Josiah, and Caroline.