Principal Carmen Morris
Dear Parents and Students,
I’m an Alabama native and proud mother of a RISD graduate. My teaching journey begin at Lake Highlands Jr. High as a Social Studies Teacher / Coach and later, an Assistant Principal. In 2007, I became the AVID District Director guiding several campuses to become premier AVID Demonstration Sites. In 2014, I transitioned to Berkner High School as an Assistant Principal with a dream of becoming the principal of the former Christa McAuliffe Learning Center (CMLC). My dream came true in 2015 becoming the Principal of CMLC, now RISD District Alternative Education Program.
My dream continues as I now serve as the Principal of TMSSA. I truly believe that all students can achieve success given the tools, resources, and skills to grow. I look forward to working with students, parents, and the RISD community as we navigate this journey together.
Carmen Morris, Principal
Associate Principal Sharonda Tims
I’m a Mississippi native and proud mother of two handsome teenage boys. My teaching career began in Jackson, Mississippi, where I spent five years teaching before relocating to Richardson, Texas, in 2007. There, I continued my passion for American Literature at Berkner High School.
In 2010, I transitioned into school administration, taking on the role of assistant principal at Richardson High School. After three years, I moved to Lake Highlands High School, where I spent five enriching years as an assistant principal and senior principal. I returned to BHS in 2017, and I was honored to serve as their Associate Principal from 2019 until June 2024.
This school year marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter as I join the TMSSA family, marking my 23rd year in education. Having faced struggles during my own high school journey, I am deeply committed to showing our students that they can overcome adversity and succeed. With clear goals, meaningful skills, guidance, and persistence, I believe they can navigate the challenges of an ever-changing world. My mission is to help students understand that they have the power to be the ones who RISE UP and achieve their fullest potential.
Assistant Principal Ron Anthony
With 24 years of experience in education, I have dedicated my career to serving students, supporting educators, and developing future leaders. I began my educational journey in 2002 as a Social Studies teacher and coach at Lake Highlands Junior High. After several rewarding years in the classroom, I transitioned into administration, where I have served as both an Assistant Principal and Principal.
Throughout my career in public education, I have worked at the elementary, junior high, middle school, and high school levels, giving me the unique opportunity to work with students from Pre-K through high school seniors. These experiences have shaped my leadership approach and strengthened my understanding of the academic, social, emotional, and behavioral needs of students at every stage of their educational journey.
I am excited to bring my many experiences to Thurgood Marshall Student Success Academy. I have a deep passion for youth mentoring, leadership development, and helping students discover their unique gifts and strengths. I believe every student has tremendous potential and deserves the opportunity to grow, overcome challenges, and experience success. I am committed to helping students build confidence, discover purpose, achieve personal success, and become positive difference-makers in their schools, communities, and the world.
I look forward to partnering with students, families, staff, and the community to support the mission and continued success of Thurgood Marshall Student Success Academy.