News Post

St. Joseph’s Academy has announced that Brianna Sommers has been named to the new position of assistant disciplinarian. Sommers, a 2006 graduate of SJA and a 10-year veteran member of the faculty, moves into her new role working with Dean of Women Christina Myles and the administrative team in managing student accountability, fair administration of the school’s system of discipline and campus safety. 

“As our school enrollment continues to grow, Mrs. Sommers will work directly with the administration on the day-to-day operations of the school,” said Principal Stacia Andricain. “As an alum and long-time faculty member, Mrs. Sommers brings a wealth of knowledge of the inner workings of the school and will be a great, creative addition to the team.”

Sommers said that her new role is a natural next step in her Academy career. “SJA first shaped me as a student and later as an educator,” she said. “Now, I am excited to see how it will help shape me into a proactive, innovative and dedicated disciplinarian who works diligently to uphold the Sisters’ charism and vision while, most importantly, inspiring the girls to do the same.”

During her time as a member of the SJA faculty, Sommers has taught English III, English III Honors, English IV, English IV Dual Enrollment, AP Seminar, AP Research, physical science and physical science honors. She said her passion as an educator is rooted in her love of designing creative lessons that reach students who may not be intrinsically interested in the content at hand. “I’ve been able to do this effectively because I genuinely enjoy getting to know and understand the girls, their interests and their realities,” she said. “My new position as assistant disciplinarian gives me the opportunity to combine these passions.”

Sommers earned a bachelor of science degree in secondary English education from the University of Mississippi Sally McDonald Barksdale Honors College. She is currently working on her master of educational leadership with an anticipated graduation date of May 2025. 

Sommers said she looks forward to working with SJA’s students as they embrace the rewards of living as responsible members of the Academy community. “Today’s world is confusing and complex, but I am committed to making sure each girl understands her potential, finds the motivation to work towards it and has some guardrails in place to keep her on a path that makes her feel proud,” she said.

Mindy Brodhead Averitt
Communications Director