There’s a new director at the Fort Mill Virtual Academy.
Dr. Emily McQuay has been selected as the new director of Fort Mill’s virtual learning school, according to a press release from the school district. McQuay, who was the academy’s assistant director, replaces Christine McNeil, who is transitioning to principal at Forest Creek Middle School.
In a statement, superintendent Dr. Chuck Epps said of McQuay the following: “We are excited to have Dr. McQuay as director of the Fort Mill Virtual Academy. Her leadership skills and years of experience in education make her the perfect choice to lead the virtual academy as it continues to grow.”
Prior to her promotion, Dr. McQuay received a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education from Clemson University, a master’s degree in Library and Information from the University of South Carolina, and a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
After school, McQuay began her education career as an eighth grade social studies teacher and was a media specialist at the elementary and middle school levels. She then served as an assistant principal at Rock Hill and Nation Ford High Schools before being a part of Catawba Ridge High School’s inaugural school year in which she was also an assistant principal. During her time as an administrator, she was a part of being awarded more than a million dollars in grant funds and was published four times in education journals.
The Fort Mill Virtual Academy opened for the 2020-2021 school year to provide families of students a virtual learning option in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The academy provides enrolled students a more consistent curricular learning model and are assigned teachers throughout the district.