Montgomery Bell Academy is pleased to announce that Mr. Thomas Wims has been appointed Director of the Junior School beginning with the 2026–27 academic year.

A highly respected teacher, coach, and mentor, Mr. Wims will begin his 35th year at MBA this fall. Since joining the faculty in 1992, he has served in a variety of teaching and leadership roles across both the Junior School and High School, earning the admiration of students, parents, faculty, and alumni alike.

Mr. Wims currently teaches regular and honors pre-algebra and serves as the seventh grade class sponsor. Throughout his career, he has been known for the strong relationships he builds with students and for the steadfast leadership and care he brings to life on The Hill. In 2014, he was named the Cecil Fain Hackney Chair, an honor recognizing a distinguished Junior School teacher whose influence and contributions have made a lasting impact on the MBA community.

Beyond the classroom, Mr. Wims has coached generations of MBA boys in basketball and baseball at multiple levels of the athletic program. In 2004, he led the varsity baseball team to a state championship and was named Coach of the Year by both the Tennessee Baseball Sports Writers Association and the Tennessee Baseball Coaches Association.

Mr. Wims has also played a significant role in MBA’s summer programming, directing the MBA Summer Youth Leadership Program for two decades and serving for six years as Director of Summer School.

“Few people know our students, our faculty, and our school more deeply than Thomas,” said Dr. William Daughtrey, Head of School. “He leads with integrity, wisdom, and care, and I am confident he will continue to strengthen the Junior School experience for our boys and families.”

MBA congratulates Mr. Wims on this important appointment and looks forward to his leadership in the years ahead.