About Us

Denise Watts

Mrs. Denise Watts serves as the Executive Principal of Powell Middle School.

Mrs. Watts started her career in education in 2004 at Central High School where she taught Social Studies.  She then taught at Powell High School. After teaching for ten years, Mrs. Watts became an instructional coach at Austin-East Magnet High School.  

Mrs. Watts earned her Educationalist Specialist degree from the University of Tennessee after which she became an assistant principal at Austin-East Magnet High School for six years.  From 2021-2023, Mrs. Watts served as the Class of 2025 Principal at Bearden High School.

She was born in East Tennessee but grew up in the small town of Lake City, South Carolina.  She moved back to East Tennessee as a freshman in high school and graduated from Jefferson County High School.  

Mrs. Watts has been married to her husband Eric for 19 years.  They have one daughter named Adeline (13).  They also have two fur babies.  Winston (2) is a Goldendoodle named after Winston Churchill and Montana (14) is a Beagle mix.  The Watts family enjoys traveling, watching Notre Dame Football, and listening to Taylor Swift music.

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Ginny Powers

Ms. Ginny Powers has proudly served the Powell Middle School community for over 30 years, including 20 years as a 7th Grade Social Studies teacher and the past 12 years as Assistant Principal. Students might remember her as the “young Miss Akers,” or Mrs. Smith. Her long-standing dedication to education reflects a deep passion for student growth, academic excellence, and the cultivation of a positive, supportive school culture.

During her years in the classroom, Ms. Powers inspired a love of history and current events in her students, emphasizing critical thinking, empathy, and global awareness. As Assistant Principal, she continues to build upon that foundation by promoting instructional excellence, student achievement, and collaboration among staff, students, and families. In addition, Ms. Powers continues to foster a nurturing environment where the care and well-being of every child is a top priority, ensuring students feel supported, valued, and encouraged to reach their full potential.

Ms. Powers holds a Bachelor of Science in Social Sciences from East Tennessee State University and a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from the University of Tennessee. She believes that every student deserves the opportunity to learn in a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment. Her leadership is guided by the belief that strong relationships and consistent expectations create the conditions for lifelong learning and success.

One unique fact about Ms. Powers is her lifelong connection to the Powell community. She and both of her daughters attended all three Powell schools—elementary, middle, and high—and graduated from Powell High School. She takes great pride in serving the same community that played such an important role in her own life and family.  Ms. Powers finds great joy in supporting and collaborating with the dedicated Powell Middle School staff, whose commitment and care make the school truly exceptional.

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Dr. Brad Smith

Dr. Brad Smith is proud to serve the Powell Middle School community as the 7th Grade Administrator. With a strong background in both education and business, Dr. Smith brings a well-rounded perspective to his leadership role, focusing on fostering academic growth, personal responsibility, and a positive school culture.

Dr. Smith began his administrative career at Farragut High School, where he served as a Grade Level Administrator from 2019 to 2022. In 2022, he joined Powell Middle School, where he continues to support students, teachers, and families with dedication and enthusiasm.

In addition to his work in K–12 education, Dr. Smith serves as an adjunct professor at Lincoln Memorial University, where he helps prepare the next generation of educators and leaders. Before transitioning into administration, he taught business at Farragut High School from 2015 to 2019, where he combined practical industry knowledge with classroom innovation to inspire students’ interest in business and technology.

Dr. Smith holds a Doctorate in Education and an Educational Specialist degree from Lincoln Memorial University. He also earned a Master of Arts in Teaching from Tusculum University, a Master of Business Administration from Middle Tennessee State University, and a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication from Middle Tennessee State University.

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Glen Price

Mr. Price began his career in education as an art teacher, completing his internship at Central High School in 1998–1999. He then taught art at J.T. Moore Middle School in Nashville from 1999–2000, followed by North Middle School in Loudon County from 2000–2003. In 2003, he joined Gresham Middle School in Knox County, where he taught art until 2011.

His journey in administration began at Gresham Middle School as an Assistant Administrator from 2010–2011, then as Assistant Principal from 2011–2020. In 2020, Mr. Price was honored to join Powell Middle School as Assistant Principal, where he continues to serve today.

Mr. Price holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Master of Science from The University of Tennessee, as well as an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from Lincoln Memorial University.

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