Athens Academy is pleased to announce that Mary Catherine Jernigan has been named director of admission for the 2026-2027 school year. Mary Catherine currently serves as Athens Academy’s assistant director of admission, a role she has held since 2014. Mary Catherine shared, “I am honored to serve as Athens Academy’s next director of admission.

For nearly two decades, this school has been an integral part of my life and my children’s lives, and I look forward to helping more families discover the exceptional opportunities and strong sense of community that define the Athens Academy experience. I am excited to partner with our leadership
team, faculty, staff, and families to advance our mission and support the growth and success of each student.”

A native of Milledgeville, Mary Catherine is a graduate of the University of Georgia Terry College of Business with a degree in finance. She began working in the Athens Academy Business Office in 2006 as an operations assistant, and during her time at the school she has also served as the program coordinator for the Georgia Tuition Tax Credit as well as the website content manager. As assistant director for the admission office, Mary Catherine has overseen the admission process for all incoming Pre/Lower School students, enhancing families’ experiences through outreach, events, and data-driven strategies.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Mary Catherine was a member of the 2013 LEAD Athens cohort and volunteers with Sweet Olive Animal Rescue and Watkinsville First Baptist Church.
“Through the search process and the feedback we received from the community, it is clear that Mary Catherine is the right choice to serve as the next director of admission,” says incoming Head of School Jeff Miles. “She has built many positive relationships within the Athens Academy community and the greater Athens area that will serve us well in the years ahead. I look forward to partnering with her for continued success in enrollment.”

Athens Academy is an independent, co-educational school for students in K3 through 12th grade, located on a beautiful 152-acre campus in Northeast Georgia. Now in its 59th year, Athens Academy pursues its mission of “excellence with honor” through academics, athletics, fine arts, and service and leadership. Ranked the #1 private school in Athens, #7 private school in the state of Georgia (out of 400+ schools), and #1 private school in North Georgia (Niche.com).

For more information, please contact Kelley Cuneo, communications director, at [email protected] or 706-433-2410.