About Us

Melissa Glover

Melissa Glover is a dedicated educator and school leader with over two decades of experience in various educational roles. She began her career in education in 2002 as a teacher at Farragut High School. She later served as an Assistant Principal at both Powell High School and Austin-East High School, gaining valuable experience in supporting diverse school communities and fostering student success. In 2018, she had the unique opportunity to help open Hardin Valley Middle School, where she played a pivotal role in establishing a strong academic and cultural foundation for the new school.

Melissa holds bachelor’s degrees in History, Psychology, and Secondary Education, as well as a master’s degree in Education, all from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She also earned an Education Specialist degree in Instructional Leadership from Tennessee Technological University.

She is now proud to serve as Principal of Gresham Middle School, where she values the opportunity to work alongside dedicated staff, students, and families in a truly special community.

Email mrs. glover

Kamau Kenyatta 

Kamau Kenyatta has dedicated over 30 years to the Knox County School system, bringing a deep commitment to student achievement, equity, and educational excellence. He began his career in 1994 as a classroom teacher and head track coach at Carter Middle School. He later transitioned to Vine Middle School, where he taught Social Studies and served as both the department chair and a member of the school’s leadership council.

In 2015, Mr. Kenyatta was selected for the prestigious Leadership Academy and placed at Karns Middle School as a Leadership Fellow. Upon completion of the program, he became an administrator with Knox County Schools. He remained at Karns Middle, serving as both Assistant Principal and Athletic Director.

Mr. Kenyatta later joined Austin-East High School, where he served as the Academy Principal for the Health Science & STEM Academy, providing visionary leadership and fostering academic growth. He currently serves as an Assistant Principal at Gresham Middle School, where he continues to lead with purpose and compassion.

Mr. Kenyatta holds multiple degrees from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, including a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education, a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction, a Master’s in Educational Leadership, and an Educational Specialist Degree in Administration and Supervision.

Guided by his personal motto—“Do No Harm, Do Good, Serve All”—Mr. Kenyatta remains a steadfast advocate for students, teachers, and the communities he serves.

EMail mr. kenyatta

Seth Nutter

Mr. Seth Nutter is a committed educator and school leader with nearly two decades of experience spanning teaching, athletics, and school administration. He began his teaching career in 2009 at Brentwood Middle School and later taught a range of mathematics courses at Central High School and Bearden High School in Knoxville. During his time in the classroom, Mr. Nutter took on numerous leadership roles, serving as a lead teacher, tennis and golf coach, assistant athletic director, and a member of the instructional leadership team.

In 2021, Mr. Nutter transitioned into school administration as Assistant Administrator and Athletic Director at Halls Middle School. In this role, he managed athletic programs, coordinated school safety efforts, and led data-driven strategies to improve instructional practices and student support systems. Since 2022, he has served as Assistant Principal and Athletic Director at Gresham Middle School, where he continues to cultivate a positive school culture, strengthen teacher collaboration, and promote both academic achievement and extracurricular involvement.

Mr. Nutter holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Tennessee, a Master of Arts in Teaching from Belmont University, and an Educational Specialist in Administration degree from the University of Tennessee.

EMAil mr. nutter

Dr. Damian Elder

Dr. Damian Elder brings over 18 years of experience in education, including 16 years of dedicated service in the state of Georgia. A passionate advocate for student success and instructional excellence, she began her career as an English Language Arts teacher and has since held a variety of leadership roles that reflect a strong commitment to both academic and personal growth for all students.

Over the years, Dr. Elder has served as a Lead Teacher, PLC Leader, and 504/Student Support Team Coordinator, providing critical support in curriculum planning, teacher collaboration, and student services. In addition, she has made significant contributions outside the classroom as a coach for basketball, softball, and track, promoting teamwork, discipline, and school spirit.

Currently in her first year as an administrator at Gresham Middle School, Dr. Elder is focused on fostering a collaborative school culture, supporting teacher development, and ensuring equitable learning opportunities for all students.

Dr. Elder holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Kennesaw State University, a Master’s and Specialist degree in Education from Augusta State University, and a Doctorate in Education with a focus in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment from Walden University.

EMail dr. Damian elder