Administrator responsibilities

Waynesville High School Principal - Brian Vernon

Brian Vernon

Brian Vernon

Welcome to Waynesville High School, Home of the Tigers!

I am honored to serve the Waynesville Community as the proud Principal of Waynesville High School.  As a graduate myself, I bleed black and orange and call our Tiger community home.

This year marks my 23rd in education, and I previously had the privilege of serving as the Principal of Waynesville Middle School.  Our dedicated team at Waynesville High School is excited to work alongside our families and community to build strong relationships and provide the best possible opportunities for our students.  We encourage everyone to be involved as it’s a great day to be a TIGER!  Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at any time.

Phone: 573-842-2400
Email: bvernon@waynesville.k12.mo.us

Associate Principal - Naomi Austin

Naomi Austin

Mrs. Naomi Austin

I’m excited to embark on a new chapter as the Associate Principal at Waynesville High School. With nearly a decade in school administration and now entering my third year within the Waynesville School District, I hope to bring unique experiences and a deep commitment to educational excellence.

My journey in education has been diverse and enriching. I've spent four years as a high school principal and five years as an elementary principal. These experiences have shaped my dedication to student success and professional pedagogy. With a Specialist degree in curriculum development, a Master's degree in educational leadership, and a Bachelor's in Secondary Education, my foundation in education is robust and continually evolving.

I am thrilled to partner with Dr. Whitt and the Waynesville Administration team to uphold and advance the exemplary standards of Waynesville High School.

Phone: 573-842-2400
Email: naustin@waynesville.k12.mo.us

Assistant Principal - Dr. Terisa Pearce

Terisa Pearce

Dr. Terisa Pearce

Welcome!

This is my 25th year in education. My experiences have taken me from the elementary classroom to the college classroom. I've taught 4th through 6th, education classes at the University of North Texas, and art K-5. I've loved them all and learned so much. I've had wonderful experiences as an instructional coach, curriculum writer, and professional development presenter, but my best times were in the classroom with my students. I've been at the Waynesville Sixth Grade Center since 2022 as an Administrator Intern.

 My husband, Don, and I moved to Missouri six years ago to build our forever home on our land, and I found my new education family in Waynesville. We have two children, Baylee and Connor. Baylee is a teacher and mom in Texas, and my son, Connor is in the HVAC business. I have one grandson, Oliver, who is his MiMi's favorite person! I am always looking for an adventure, a good book, and an opportunity to create art. I look forward to working with our amazing Administrative team, staff, students, and families at WHS. 

Phone: 573-842-2400
Email: tpearce@waynesville.k12.mo.us

Assistant Principal - Jamie Council

Jamie Council

Jamie Council

I am thrilled to be a Waynesville Tiger starting out in my 18 th year of education. I began my career as a classroom teacher then became a Special Education Director, a Dean, then an Assistant Principal. My background as a military spouse has taken me from living in Germany, to Texas, New Mexico, Florida, and now Missouri for the past year. I understand how exciting yet how challenging the military family life can be for the entire family.

My husband is now retired, our daughter Lynn attends Ozark Technical College in Springfield, and our son Cody is going into his Senior year in high school. We have chickens, geese, and more dogs and cats than we probably should. High school is such an important and pivotal time for students, and our team at Waynesville High School strives to provide support and encouragement along the way.

We are here to partner with families and the community to build the foundation for a great future for each and every student.

Phone: 573-842-2400
Email: jcouncil@waynesville.k12.mo.us

Admin Intern - Andrew Doyle

Doyle

Andrew Doyle

Welcome to Waynesville High School! I am excited and ready to welcome in the new freshman class to our high school community. I am grateful for the opportunity to help lead and guide these students as they embark on their next 4 years as Waynesville Tigers. Please feel free to contact me anytime at 573-842-2400 or adoyle@waynesville.k12.mo.us.

Let's have a great year TIGERS!

Phone: 573-842-2400
Email: adoyle@waynesville.k12.mo.us

Athletic Director - Cory Ace

Cory Ace

Cory Ace

Cory Ace has served as the director of district MSHSAA activities for the Waynesville R-VI School District since 2018. 

Mr. Ace began his career in the Waynesville R-VI School District as a language arts teacher at Waynesville High School in 2008.  In 2014, he became assistant principal at Waynesville High School and in 2016 moved to the Waynesville Middle School to serve as assistant principal. 

Mr. Ace got his start in coaching as a graduate assistant at his alma mater Edinboro University in 2003 before accepting a position as an assistant coach in 2004 at Old Dominion University.  Ace served as the assistant wrestling coach at WHS from 2008 to 2012 and the head wrestling coach for 2013-14 before going into administration. Mr. Ace also was a Pennsylvania high school state champion at the 135-pound weight class and was a collegiate four-time NCAA Division I Qualifier and All-American at 133 pounds.

 Mr. Ace holds a BA in English from Edinboro University as well as a Master’s of Arts and a Specialist in School Administration from Lindenwood University.

Phone: 573=842=2450
Email: cace@waynesville.k12.mo.us