Central Office New Hires By Nila Harris
Blair Hicks may be a new face at the Pendleton County Schools Central Office, but she is not
new to the school system. Prior to her accepting the Executive Director of Teaching and
Learning position, Hicks partnered with the district through the Northern Kentucky Cooperative
for Educational Services (NKCES) as a Learning Acceleration Specialist “facilitating
professional learning and providing collaboration, coaching and consulting support at the
classroom, school, and district levels. Through that work I had the opportunity to collaborate
closely with educators and leaders across the district on instructional improvement efforts.”
As Executive Director of Teaching and Learning, Hicks will be working with all the schools
overseeing curriculum, instruction, professional learning, and other teaching and learning
initiatives to support student success and achievement.
The Bellarmine University graduate holds bachelor’s degrees in elementary education and
special education. Hicks also has a Master of Arts with an English Language Learners
endorsement from Georgetown College and an Education Specialist degree from the University
of the Cumberlands. She cherishes time with her family in her free time and enjoys camping,
gardening, hiking, and outdoor activities.
“One of the things I value most about education is the opportunity to build relationships among
the community and support the growth of both students and educators. I am grateful for the
opportunity to serve Pendleton County Schools and look forward to working alongside our staff,
students, families, and community as we continue providing high-quality educational
experiences for all students.”
Newly hired District Director of Athletics for Pendleton County Schools is Lebanon, Kentucky
native Ben Adams. As Athletic Director, Adams will direct and oversee all athletic programming
at Pendleton County High School and Sharp Middle School. In addition, he has planning ideas to
implement programs at Northern and Southern Elementary Schools. “This is a very fast-paced
role, one that organizes a vast amount of information, manages yearly schedules, and cultivates
relationships with students, parents, and the community.” Very familiar with this process, Adams
comes to PC with director experience at Newport and Dayton school districts.
Adams holds a doctorate degree in educational leadership from Trevecca Nazarene University,
Nashville, Tennessee, a master’s in sports administration from Western Kentucky University, and
a bachelor’s from the University of Louisville. He has a Certified Athletic Administrator
credential from the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association and is a certified
tennis professional with the Professional Tennis Registry.
“My job is designed to supplement the academic experience and promote the student-athlete
experience of Pendleton County students. Every day is different from the next, and every day
brings unique opportunities. I am impressed with the professionalism of Pendleton County
Schools administrators, staff, and coaches. I am excited to lead Pendleton County Athletics in the
future.”
Adams and his wife Tara have five children who keep them very busy. “Raising our kids gives
us so much joy and purpose, and we love spending all of our time doing activities together as a
family.”