Administrator of the Year PATRICIA ELLISON

Enacting Visionary Leadership at Pontotoc Ridge Career and Technical Center

Rob Fyke

Pontotoc Ridge Career and Technical Center (PRCTC) has emerged as a school of excellence across the state. Student outcomes illustrate this sentiment; however, the environment and energy within the school tell a much deeper story. Students step into an atmosphere of support, where the dedicated staff work collaboratively to meet each student’s needs and provide individualized opportunities for growth. Patricia Ellison has been the guiding force behind this thriving center as its CTE director for the past seven years. Her visionary leadership has fostered a center for learning that caters to both student and community needs, earning her the esteemed title of the Mississippi Association for Career and Technical Education (MS ACTE) Administrator of the Year for 2024.

Ellison has dedicated her twenty-year career to Career and Technical Education. However, her journey into CTE began with a passion for coaching sports. While coaching, Ellison taught CTE Tech Discovery in Aberdeen. As her family grew, she pursued a master’s in Educational Leadership and stepped away from coaching. In 2016, after working as the Business Marketing instructor at PRCTC for a year, Ellison took on the role of CTE Director. Looking back, the shift from teacher to director was smoother than she expected, thanks to the strong support from her staff. Ellison expressed her commitment to supporting the school by stating, “I work hard to become a servant leader, doing my best to support the teachers with whatever they need to effectively maximize student opportunities.” Amanda Wood, the work-based learning coordinator, commented on Ellison’s leadership, saying, “She empowers all of us to grow.”

Matt Powell, the AG power and machinery teacher, also praised her approach, noting, “People will either grow with power or swell, and Mrs. Ellison has been one that has grown substantially. She will not ask us to do anything that she will not do herself.”

History shows that a team often mirrors its leader, and Ellison has set a remarkable example for those she leads. The results of her leadership speak for itself: embedded work-based learning proficiency, enrollment growth and high certification success rates are just a few areas demonstrating that PRCTC is under exceptional administration.

PRCTC is one of the largest CTE centers in the state, offering 14 programs that range from Advanced Manufacturing to Health Science. The school’s mission is to prepare today’s students for tomorrow’s workforce, helping them compete for higher-paying and more satisfying jobs. Embracing the motto “Keeping it Real… Real World, Real Life, Real Education,” Pontotoc Ridge continuously adapts to the evolving needs of CTE education. Dayn Wilson, an AG power student, affirmed this commitment, stating, “Mrs. Ellison and all the teachers hold me to a high level of expectation. They tell me the truth, what I need to hear… not necessarily what makes me feel good.” This approach exemplifies how the school’s motto is lived out daily, ensuring that students receive honest feedback and rigorous preparation for their future careers.

One of the standout programs at

PRCTC is the Ambassadors Initiative, which raises awareness among younger students about the exciting opportunities available at the center. Student representatives lead this program, organizing activities and discussions in schools. The Ambassadors program has played a crucial role in boosting enrollment to near capacity, and there are plans to expand the campus to accommodate all students interested in CTE education.

Heather Russell, a student involved in the program, highlighted its impact on her personal growth, “I was shy and uncomfortable upon entering the Ambassadors program, but Mrs. Ellison has been very instrumental in supporting me over time, which has allowed me to break that trend. I am much more comfortable with my skills now.”

Additionally, due to the local demand for furniture manufacturing, PRCTC has received a $3.2 million-dollar Mobile Skills Lab from a partnership with Ashley Furniture. This state-of-the-art training facility not only enhances the center’s capabilities but also exemplifies how industry partnerships create win/win scenarios in CTE education. By aligning with community workforce needs, such initiatives bolster the opportunities available to students, preparing them for successful careers while simultaneously addressing local industry de- mands. Wood affirmed this, stating, “The Ashley skills labs will give our students a leg up in the manufacturing industry by earning an Industry 4.0 Certification. It is synonymous with smart manufacturing, which is the same simulator training used in many manufacturing industries. A bonus is the college and career-ready skills all our students will cultivate.” This collaboration highlights how PRCTC is effectively bridging the gap between education and the workforce, benefiting both the students and the community.

These recent highlights at PRCTC illustrate just a fraction of the innovative initiatives being implemented to provide students with valuable opportunities for growth, aligning with workforce needs and preparing them for future success.

At Pontotoc Ridge, keeping things fun is a key focus. Clint Young, the diversified AG instructor, said of his administrator, “Mrs. Ellison supports any idea that seems right and good for the students… even if the idea is different. She has the desire to get the students as active as possible. We [teachers] recognize and appreciate her support.” One popular event is “Bring Your Animal to Work Day,” organized by the Vet Science program within the Diversified AG pathway. This event features a variety of animals, including cows, rabbits, kittens, puppies, goats, and horses, though the program is open to many other breeds. A recent highlight was a school-wide “pet show,” which resembles a parade of pets through the halls, accompanied by educational discussions about breeds, their scientific names and other relevant topics.

In addition to these events, a therapy dog has become a cherished part of the school experience. Students are greeted most days by Sunni, a friendly golden doodle. Sunni’s warm and cheerful presence offers a delightful boost, even to the toughest students. The students have actively participated in her care, using vet-approved methods, taking her on visits to elementary schools through the Ambassadors program, and including her in community-supported events.

Ava Russell, a vet science student in diversified agriculture, supported this, saying, “Sunni is so helpful in many ways; first, even if someone is having a bad day and they see Sunni, they start smiling! She is also very helpful with our required vet science practicums. We use her to learn bathing techniques, trimming techniques, and even practice splinting her legs. I can’t tell you how many hair designs she has sported around the school. She is a blessing to us.” Sunni is a prime example of how Ellison supports innovative ideas to meet students’ needs, blending fun with meaningful learning experiences. These initiatives are just a few examples of how Pontotoc Ridge has embraced CTE education in creative ways. Under the leadership of Ellison, the school has effectively adapted and expanded its programs, reflecting her commitment to creating a meaningful educational setting.

Being named 2024 MS ACTE Administrator of the Year highlights just how much Ellison has achieved. Her ability to motivate and support both students and teachers has set a high bar for what a successful educational environment looks like. As PRCTC continues growing and evolving to meet new needs, Ellison’s leadership will continue to be a key part of its success. Her example shows what is possible when you mix passion, hard work and new ideas to create a dynamic learning environment.