Administration Team

Mrs. Sara Jane Russell, Principal
Mrs. Russell is beginning her second year as head principal with Southaven Intermediate School. She began her educational career as a 5th grade teacher at Wayne Academy followed by ten years at DeSoto Central High School as a history teacher. She spent the previous eight years as an assistant principal at Lake Cormorant High and Hernando Middle School.
Mrs. Russell has a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from University of Mississippi and a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University. She also completed her Master Teacher of Economics through the MS Economic Council and Millsaps College.
Assistant Principals

Mrs. Loren Nelson,
Asst. Principal
Loren Nelson is excited to be a member of the leadership team at Southaven Intermediate School and proud to be a Charger. She looks forward to working with your children on their educational journey.
Mrs. Nelson is a graduate of Delta State University with a degree in Elementary Education. She also has a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University. She has been an educator in Desoto County Schools for 25 years.
Mrs. Nelson is married to Kirk Nelson, and they have three sons: Seth, Jake, and Taylor. Their sons and their daughter-in-law, Chelsea, all graduated from Center Hill High School.

Mr. Jonathan Newson,
Assistant Principal
Jonathan Newson is a product of Greenville, MS. He received his Bachelor’s degree from Delta State University in Biology. He later received his Master’s degree from University of Phoenix in Curriculum and Instruction and his Specialist’s degree from Arkansas State University in Educational Leadership. He is currently pursuing a Doctorate degree in Educational Leadership from Liberty University. He has taught at Strayhorn Schools (3 years), Lake Cormorant Middle School (8 years) and Hernando Middle School (3 years). He also served as an assistant principal at Senatobia Middle School for 2 years.
Mr. Newson is married to Dr. Shereka Newson. They have two children, Jamil and Jamiya.
He is also a proud and faithful member of the Northwest Church of Christ located in Southaven, MS.
