Ukpolo, currently the director of grant initiatives at the University of Holy Cross in New Orleans, possesses 25 years of experience in education at both the elementary and university level.
“Dr. Ukpolo brings with her an impressive resume,” St. John the Baptist Parish Public School Superintendent Kevin George said. “She has a wonderful, enthusiastic personality that will make a positive impact as she takes over the leadership of the district’s largest elementary school.”
Prior to her position writing and overseeing grants at the University of Holy Cross, she served as the university’s director of institutional research.
From 2013-15, she was the director of the graduate program for the doctorate of education in executive leadership, writing the program, curriculum and performance outcomes for the new program, recruiting executives to participate and garnering support from school districts.
She has served as a Department of Education faculty member at both Southeastern Louisiana University and Louisiana State University, as well as California State University Los Angeles and Austin Peay State University in Tennessee.
Her previous experience as a principal includes serving as director/principal of the K-8 Southeastern University Laboratory School in Hammond and leading the school to an A school performance score.
“I feel so honored to have been chosen as the principal of LaPlace Elementary. The school is absolutely beautiful, the teachers are academically strong and I can’t wait to meet the students,” Ukpolo said. “My personal goal for the school is to turn it into an A school. Why? Because to be an A school everyone has to master the curriculum and I don’t plan on leaving anyone behind. Go Tigers!”
Ukpolo has earned a doctorate of education in curriculum and instruction from Tennessee State University, as well as a specialist in education degree in administration and supervision, a master of arts in education in administration and supervision/reading specialist and a bachelor’s in elementary education, all from Austin Peay University.