District News

Kristie McKinley is a proud graduate of the Class of 2001 and a passionate supporter of Hattiesburg Athletics. As a former three-year basketball player under the leadership of Coach Diana Jones, Kristie developed a deep appreciation for the energy and excitement surrounding high school sports, a passion that continues to this day.

After graduating from William Carey University in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and a minor in Recreation, Kristie embarked on a rewarding career in education and coaching. In 2016, she began as a Teacher Assistant at N.R. Middle School in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Since then, she has risen to become a dedicated educator, currently teaching College and Career Readiness at Laurel High School.

In addition to her classroom responsibilities, Kristie is a key member of the coaching staff for the Laurel High School Varsity Women's Basketball team. Under her guidance as an assistant coach, the team made history by capturing its first-ever 5A State Championship in 2021. The Lady Tornadoes repeated this impressive feat in 2024, earning another 5A State Championship title. Kristie also coaches the Lady Tornado Freshman Girls Basketball team, where her leadership and commitment to excellence continue to inspire young athletes.

Grounded in a strong faith, Kristie believes that "with God, all things are possible" and credits her family and friends for being a constant source of encouragement and strength. She finds motivation in a favorite quote: "You either quit, or you keep going. Either way, they both hurt, so just keep going."

A guiding scripture in Kristie's life is Joshua 1:9: "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

[Hattiesburg, MS]– February 11, 2025 – Hattiesburg Public Schools is pleased to announce the appointment of Kendall Lacey as the new head football coach. Coach Lacey brings a wealth of experience, a proven track record of success, and a passion for developing student-athletes both on and off the field to the Tigers program.

Coach Kendall Lacey is an experienced educator and coach with a passion for developing student-athletes. Coach Lacey has dedicated his life to education, coaching, and mentorship. Born and raised in Wetumpka, Alabama, with a passion for sports and leadership, after graduation from Wetumpka High School, he pursued higher education and athletics at Shorter University, earning a degree in Sports Management and being named a permanent team captain in 2014. Coach Lacey continued with a Master’s in Secondary Education from the University of North Alabama, and he will earn an Education Specialist degree in Teaching & Leading from Northern Kentucky University in the spring of 2025.

Coach Lacey's coaching experience spans multiple high schools and universities, including Valdosta High School, Benjamin Russell High School, Dothan High School, Jefferson Davis High School, Prattville High School, Waldorf University, and Shorter University. He has served in various roles, such as Defensive Coordinator, Assistant Head Coach, Strength and Conditioning Coordinator, and Defensive Backs Coach. He has also succeeded as a Head Track Coach and Soccer Coach. He has a proven track record of leading successful teams, having won a GHSA 6A State Championship in 2016, winning multiple region championships, developing numerous All-Region and All-State players, and helping over 30 student-athletes achieve their goal of playing collegiate football. While at Valdosta, Coach Lacey was a part of the program’s 900th and 950th win, as they became the first football program in America to do so.

Beyond education and coaching, Coach Lacey is an active member of various professional organizations, including the National Interscholastic Association of Athletic Administrators (NIAAA), Minority Coaches Association of both Georgia and Alabama, the Shorter University Athletic Alumni Board, and the Alabama Football Coaches Association. He also serves as a deacon at Goodship Missionary Baptist Church.

Through his experiences as an athlete, educator, and mentor, Coach Lacey has remained dedicated to inspiring and developing the next generation, ensuring that students and players are prepared for success on and off the field.

Mark Anthony Jordan
Served in the United States Air Force for over 20 years
A resident of Hattiesburg for 25 Years

Mark A. Jordan is a graduate of the Hattiesburg High Class of 1974.  He was a prolific athlete who lettered in both Football and Track. Mark attended Langston University as a freshman, where he played football for the "Langston Lions." After his 1st year, he transferred to the University of Southern Mississippi. After that, Mark elected to join the United States Air Force (USAF) just like his Father, Ezekiel Jordan Jr. 

Mark is a 20-year USAF retired Disabled American Veteran. He is the 2nd child of eight children born to the union of  USAF Veteran, Senior Master Sergeant Retired (SMSGT Ret.) Ezekiel Jordan Jr. and his wife Frances Jordan of Hattiesburg, MS. Mark is married to Mrs. Raymona M. Jordan and is the father of seven wonderful children. He is the proud Grandfather of twelve Grandchildren and Great Grandfather of three great-grandchildren. 

For him, serving in the military was an honor and a family tradition. His father served in the USAF, his uncle Tommy Jordan (Yonnie) was in the United States Navy (USN), and his uncle Larry was in the United States Army. All served in Vietnam during overlapping periods. His wife is a USAF veteran, and he has two siblings: one brother who served in the USAF and another in the U.S. Navy. He had two children who served in the U.S. Military, one in the United States Army and one in the USAF, plus two grandchildren who served in the U.S. Coast Guard and the other in the United States Army.

Since retiring in 1999, Mr. Jordan has been busy serving in many different roles within our community. Mark has mentored thirteen young adults to become productive members of society. From 2001 to 2011, he led and participated in many community outreach efforts while at True Light Missionary Baptist Church (TLMBC). Areas included focusing on youth development and family support systems, including serving on the Eagle Scout Selection and Program Committee and the "Scout Reach" Fundraising Steering Committee for five years. 
He has served his community in a governmental capacity in several different ways. His 1st position with the City of Hattiesburg was as General Manager of the Department of Engineering, and then on to become the 1st General Manager in the history of the City to lead the Water/Wastewater, Traffic, and Construction Departments simultaneously. 
He served as a children's Sunday school teacher for over 15 years at TLMBC. Mr. Jordan serves as a Minister of the Gospel. He is always ready to preach and spread God's word. He currently assists a local church with preaching engagements when requested. He has often been asked to open up our city council meetings with prayer.
While at TLMBC, Mr. Jordan established the first-ever "Adopt-a-School" (AAS) program at Hawkins Elementary School. This program was based on the National Church Adopt-a-School Initiative, founded by Pastor Tony Evans of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas, TX. For over 15 years, this partnership has transformed a once-failing school into a passing school with a thriving environment for its faculty members, students, and parents. He established the "Read-To-Ride" program, recognizing and rewarding the top boy and girl readers in each grade level with bikes.
From 2008 to 2013, Mr. Jordan began work at R3SM as a case manager to assist Hurricane Katrina victims in rebuilding, replacing, or repairing their homes. Several years later, in 2015, he joined the R3SM Board of Directors while working as the Code Enforcement Manager for the City of Hattiesburg and was elected as the R3SM Board President in 2016, where he served for 1 year. 
In 2014 and 2015, Mr. Jordan was asked to lead, along with other organizers, a "Peace, Unity and Healing" march to bring attention to the issue of the rise of youth violence in the Hattiesburg community, which resulted in several town hall meetings with the Hattiesburg Police Department, Hattiesburg City Council, and community members to discuss and solve a rising youth crime problem in our community. 
In 2023, Mr. Jordan joined the DAV Chapter 62 Hattiesburg High School JROTC Advisory Board Committee. He and several comrades educate the cadets on the mission and role of the DAV, the importance of character development, and a vision for their lives, along with other topics.

In 2024, Mr. Jordan volunteered to become Director of Hattiesburg's PineBelt Purple Homes (PHH) division. This national program assists veterans who need substantial home repairs or replacements at no cost to their families. 
Mark is a lifetime member of Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Hattiesburg Chapter #62, where he currently serves as the Veterans Assistance Coordinator (VAC). He is best known for his dedication and pursuit of fulfilling the DAV mission of "Keeping America's Promise" to its Veterans and their families. 

Because of his commitment to keeping this promise, Mr. Jordan was selected as his local Chapter Volunteer of the Year in 2022. Two years later, he was chosen as the State of Mississippi Disabled American Veteran Volunteer of the Year for 2024. Most recently, he was honored as being selected for the inaugural 2024 "Alvin Eaton Champions Award" from the African American History Museum for "exceptional service and dedication to Veterans." He credits all of what has occurred in his life to that of the work of the Lord!

We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Stephen McCay as the newly appointed Director of Operations for Hattiesburg Public Schools. With a strong background in leadership and organizational management, Dr. McCay is poised to elevate the district’s operational efforts to ensure our facilities provide a safe and supportive environment for teaching and learning.

Dr. McCay holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education from the University of Southern Mississippi (USM), where his research centered on fostering student engagement and success through living-learning communities.

Before joining Hattiesburg Public Schools, Dr. McCay held key leadership positions at USM, including Associate Director for Operations, where he managed the operational and facilities needs of the university’s union complex.

In addition to his campus contributions, Dr. McCay has demonstrated his commitment to professional development and operational excellence on a broader scale. From 2022 to 2024, he served as the Regional Director for the Association of College Unions International (ACUI) Region III, where he worked to advance the field of higher education.

We are excited about the expertise and dedication Dr. McCay brings to our district and look forward to the positive impact he will have on our schools and community!