In celebration of National Principals Month, our “A Look Inside” series introduces you to the leaders of our schools, continuing with Dr. Tippens at Pickens High School.

Dr. Brandon Tippens has been a coach, department head, and assistant principal at Pickens High School. This year, he’s taking on a new role as principal, but the reason he’s stayed at PHS is the same one that brought him here, the people.

Raised in Ball Ground, Tippens says Pickens felt like home when he arrived 13 years ago. Now he wants students and families to feel just as comfortable walking up to him. “I promise that I am friendly,” he says. “I like to joke around, so I am always up for a good laugh or story.”  

He’s making time to see students outside the classroom, too. Tippens has challenged himself to attend at least one event for every sport and school-sponsored extracurricular program. He enjoys seeing students take part in the activities they’re passionate about.  So if you see him at a ballgame or event, stop and say hey. 

Some of his favorite moments happen during an ordinary school day and include talking with students between classes, at lunch, or during a classroom visit. He loves seeing them engaged with their teachers and classmates, but his favorite sight is a student smiling.

“I actually believe that learning can be fun, and I want to bring some of that energy back to the high school experience.”

Tippens hopes students come to know him as someone who cares about them as individuals, is easy to approach, and will challenge them to grow.

For Tippens, the best part of PHS is easy to identify.  It’s the students, staff, and community that make Pickens feel like home. And the view doesn’t hurt, either. “I haven’t found a better backdrop for a school anywhere in the state.”