UMS Names New Principal
Dr. William Penner
PUTNAM COUNTY – The Putnam County School System announces Dr. Will Penner as the new Upperman Middle School principal.
Penner brings his experience from Spring Hill where he has served as
founding principal of Battle Creek Middle School, one of the most
innovative STEM campuses in the state, since 2019. Before his time at
Battle Hill Middle School, he was assistant principal to 1,100 students
at Whitthorne Middle School in Columbia. Dr. Penner has also served as
an adjunct professor of writing at Nashville State Community College in
Dickson and taught honors English at Fairview High School and East
Hickman High.
“We are excited to welcome Dr. Penner to our school system as the new
principal at Upperman Middle School,” said Corby King, director of
Putnam County Schools. “Dr. Penner brings many years of teaching and
administrative leadership experience to our district, and we look
forward to seeing him join the team at Upperman Middle and continue the
great work that has already begun there.”
Penner earned his Bachelor of Science in Education in English and
Political Science from Baylor University in Waco, Texas. He went on to
earn his Masters of Education in curriculum and instruction with a minor
in instructional technology from Baylor University in 1996. He
completed doctoral work toward a Ph.D in education and human development
from Vanderbilt University in Nashville in 1998; and in 2015, he
received his Doctor of Education in learning organizations and strategic
change from Lipscomb University in Nashville.
He was recognized as Middle Tennessee Principal of the Year for
2020-2021 from the Tennessee Association of Secondary School
Principals. He has been a member of the Professional Educators of
Tennessee, Association for Supervision and Curriculum
Development, Tennessee Association of Secondary School
Principals, International Association for the Study of Youth Ministry,
Association of Youth Ministry Educators, Youthworker Movement of the
United Methodist Church, Alpha Chi Honor Society and Tennessee High
School Press Association.
“For the past year, I’ve taken a strong interest in Putnam County schools,” said Penner, “I really like what I’m seeing.”
Penner has spent every weekend in Putnam County this past year with
his wife, Rev. Dr. Christine Penner, who was appointed as pastor of
Monterey United Methodist Church last fall.
“This county has not only a rich history but also a positive
trajectory for the future, and I’m looking forward to joining the team
at Upperman Middle School,” said Penner.
In addition to his work with schools, Penner has written or edited
more than a dozen books and hundreds of articles, studies and book
chapters, and is a sought-after speaker and consultant for conferences,
retreats and leadership training events. He and his wife have five
children, ranging in ages from 12 to 30.