FROM STAFF REPORTS

HOOVER—Dana Ricks has joined Berry Middle School as the new seventh grade assistant principal. Ricks fills the role formerly held by Terry Lamar, who was named principal of Bluff Park Elementary School this past summer.

As seventh grade assistant principal, Ricks collaborates with teacher teams, supervises sporting events, manages discipline and helps oversee the school’s Wellness Program.

“What I like about this school is that it’s so positive,” Ricks said. “Berry has such a positive vibe. This role is very similar to other positions I’ve held in education. I really feel like I’m at a point where I’m learning a lot. The faculty, staff and administrators here are amazing.”

Ricks has experience as an elementary school teacher, a middle school science and language arts teacher and an elementary school counselor in Texas.

Ricks comes to Birmingham with her husband, Mike Ricks, who was named the new head women’s basketball coach at Birmingham Southern College. The couple lives on campus at BCS, and Ricks said she has grown to love the Birmingham-Hoover area and all it has to offer.

“We think this is a beautiful area,” Ricks said. “We love eating out—we really enjoy the food scene. We both love our jobs.”

Ricks, a Louisiana native and mother of two, holds degrees in journalism and education.