Ruston Pierce is a graduate of King College (now King University) in Bristol, TN. with a bachelor’s degree in English Literature. He also received a Master of Educational Leadership from Trevecca Nazarene University, and is currently pursuing a doctorate in education from Liberty University. Ruston has more than 15 years of experience in education at various levels of teaching and administration from secondary to higher education.
Prior to his arrival at Mount Pisgah, Ruston most recently served as the Head of School for Concord Christian School in Knoxville, TN, leading their K-12 school, after-school/summer program, and full-time preschool daycare. Concord Christian is recognized as the fastest-growing private school in the city. During his tenure, the school completed a strategic marketing plan, successfully renewed dual accreditation, initiated a capital campaign, expanded marketing and social media plans while doubling enrollment to approximately 1,200 students across all divisions.
Before his time at Concord Christian, Ruston held many roles in Christian education including Director of Dual Enrollment at Bryan College and headmaster of Bryan's Rhea County Academy, Director of Development and Assistant Principal at Grace Baptist Academy, Dean of Student Affairs at Silverdale Baptist Academy and as a member of the YoungLife staff.
A native of Chattanooga, Ruston was active in sports and played football, baseball, and basketball at McCallie School.
Ruston dated his wife, Aimee, throughout high school and college. The couple has been married since 2001 and have four children. Aimee Pierce obtained a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from Richmont Graduate University in 2004 and served on the counseling ministry staff at First Baptist Concord in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Head of Upper School
Bachelor of Science, Education, University of Tennessee
What is your fondest Pisgah memory?
In my time at Mount Pisgah, I have cataloged tons of great memories and special moments. Two of my very favorites are when my son and daughter graduated from Pisgah. The enormous sense of joy and love I felt as a parent was closely rivaled by the overwhelming sense of accomplishment I felt as an educator. It was a true gift to have been part of their development and growth serving alongside the amazing Pisgah faculty.
Why do you teach or work at a school?
I chose teaching because I love and enjoy people and building relationships. I especially love middle and high school students who need spiritual and emotional support as they find their way in this world.
What is your teaching philosophy?
I don’t approach teaching as a job. I view my life at Pisgah as a ministry, a gift and an opportunity to help each student reach his or her potential. My greatest desire is for students to find confidence in who they are and passion and engagement in their interests and gifts. Each day I set out to provide and reside in a community of faith, trust and laughter.
M.S., Education: Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment; Walden University
B.S., Social Science Education, University of Georgia
Who was the most influential teacher/coach/instructor when you were growing up? What was it about him/her that impacted you?
My most influential teacher was Coach Chitwood. He taught Algebra I & II and was our basketball coach in high school. I think he was the only teacher who ever really invested in me until I attended college. He was an awesome math teacher, took the time to really get to know me, helped get me plugged-in at school, and hounded me until I tried out for the basketball team. I was moved that someone outside my own family actually believed in me. Coach Chitwood was also one of the only teachers to confront me when I started to disengage from school and make questionable peer choices. I may not have appreciated it at the time (I didn’t!), but I know his commitment to push me to step out of my comfort zone and hold me accountable for my decisions helped shaped who I am today.
What is your teaching philosophy?
I’m a fan of Carol Dweck’s book Mindset and her assumption that there’s tremendous power in the word “YET”!
You don’t know how to do it YET!
You’re not good at it YET!
You don’t care about it YET!
You don’t practice enough self-control YET!
You didn’t make the team YET!
When nothing else is working, what is your go-to?
When nothing else is working, I observe other teachers’ classrooms. Our teachers are phenomenal educators who teach, inspire, challenge, love, support, lead, and grow our students in unique and creative ways. When I get stuck in the muck ‘n mire of the in-between-moments of adolescence and my passion fades, I only need to watch our teachers do what they do best EVERY SINGLE DAY to regain my inspiration.
What is your favorite Bible verse?
"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery."-Galatian 5:1:
English Instructor, English Department Chair
Education Specialist, Educational Leadership, Georgia College and State University
M.S., Sports Management, University of Tennessee
B.A., English, East Tennessee State University
What was your biggest a-ha moment as a teacher or school administrator?
“Rome wasn’t built in a day” is an old adage that I quickly came to understand. Learning is a process, and the fruits are often seen many years down the road.
Why do you teach or work at a school?
Simple. I love kids. My passion is working with high school-aged students. They are in such an exciting time in their lives during their high school years. I feel that it is such a gift to be able to watch the intricacies of adolescence and young adulthood unfold before my eyes. These kids are excited about life and what the future holds for them. That is so encouraging.
What is your teaching philosophy?
My philosophy is that everything is easier to learn when you are having fun learning it. I bring a lot of energy to my class; if I can’t get excited about my subject, why should I expect my students to get excited? I pride myself on creating a positive atmosphere where mistakes are treated as opportunities to explore misconceptions rather than as a reflection of a student’s abilities.
How do you reach your students?
I hope that I reach them by being available for them and showing them I care about them as young people and not just as my students. My students know that I genuinely care about them and am committed to their success in my classroom. Through thoughtful discussions and seminars, I encourage students to ask “why?” and “how?” so that they learn to be articulate speakers and listeners in a society where these skills are increasingly lacking.
What is your fondest Pisgah memory?
My fondest memory so far has to be when I celebrated Thankful Friday with my third grade daughter. I watched her from afar as she worshiped abandoned with arms raised and eyes closed. It is an image of her that will be etched in my heart forever.
Director of Athletics
Education
MEd, Mercer University. BA, Furman University
Why do you love teaching or working at Mount Pisgah?
In the short time I've been on campus, I've witnessed multiple examples of God's presence here. I'm excited to have the opportunity to become part of the community.
Who was the most influential teacher/coach/instructor when you were growing up? What was it about him/her that impacted you?
I was very fortunate to have had multiple coaches who influenced me. My high school football and basketball coaches pushed me beyond what I believed I was capable of, but made sure that I knew they cared about me as a person.
What is your favorite moment/memory as a Mount Pisgah employee?
As a new teacher, I'm looking forward to creating many "favorite" moments in my career at Mount Pisgah.
What is your favorite Bible verse?
Matthew 6:33-34 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all the things will be provided for you. Therefore don't worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
