Bio:
Ms. Virginia Stackens Crump is an alumnus of the Memphis City School System, Lambuth University and the University of Memphis. Ms. Crump served as a special education instructor in Haywood County and Jackson-Madison County for seventeen years. Her diligence and commitment afforded her the opportunity to serve as Principal of Parkview Montessori Magnet School for eight years. Monumental successes at the elementary school resulted in a mid-year appointment as Principal to Jackson Central-Merry High School beginning 2005 school year. This historical appointment established her as the first African American female high school Principal in Jackson, Tennessee.
July 2009, Ms. Crump was assigned to the Jackson-Madison County Board of Education as Grant Writer, Federal Projects Monitor and Pre-School Monitor. On March 31, 2010, Ms. Crump retired from JMCSS with 30+ years of undaunted and committed service.
On April 1, 2010, past involvement and cooperative endeavors with the historic Lane College opened the door for Ms. Crump to become Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs, Director of Lane Evening Accelerated Program and Director of Career Planning and Placement. In 2016, Ms. Crump was selected as Principal of Whiteville Correctional Facility, overseeing academic and career technical programs. January 2018, Ms. Crump was selected as the Education Superintendent for the State of Tennessee, Department of Correction, Nashville, TN until retirement, August 2024. Realizing her drive to continue education services for individuals who are incarcerated, on February 2025, she joined the staff of Tennessee Higher Education Initiative as Senior Director of Portfolios.
Integral to her philosophy is a strong commitment to community service, which is exemplified by numerous awards and commendations. Above and beyond her dedication to school reform, Ms. Crump shares her passion for community service through public speaking, emphasizing her platform of “Quality education NOW for all students”. Her philosophy for educating students is more of a ministry, embracing hard work, dedication, and service.
