For Adam Mize, Knoxville High School is more than just a building—it’s a homecoming. It’s a place where hallways echo with the footsteps of past students, now successful adults, and where a sense of community shapes the lives of those inside and outside its walls. Now, as Knoxville’s new principal, Adam brings with him a perspective only someone deeply rooted in this community could hold.

Adam’s journey back to Knoxville was guided by both professional and personal connections. After graduating from Knox College, where he balanced academics with playing college football, Adam began his career at Knoxville, teaching history and coaching several sports. Alongside his wife, originally from nearby Abingdon, he eventually made his way back to the area after a brief stint in Dunlap as an assistant principal and athletic director. He never lost touch with his former colleagues and mentors, nor did he ever lose sight of the impact Knoxville had on him. Returning felt like destiny, or as he put it, "It just felt like home again."

What sets Knoxville apart, Adam believes, is its commitment to a positive school culture. This isn’t just talk; it’s a living, breathing ethos. Under Adam’s leadership, there’s an intentional focus on celebrating the “great things our kids are doing,” both in and out of the classroom. Adam doesn’t just encourage students to excel academically; he encourages them to bring their achievements into the community. Whether it’s the FFA program traveling to national conventions, CTE students building sheds for the community, or young historians collecting artifacts from Mark Twain’s hometown, Knoxville students are immersed in learning experiences that connect them with their neighbors and their roots.

Adam’s vision for Knoxville’s future combines tradition with a forward-thinking mindset. His emphasis on relationships shines through every goal he sets. "I want kids to feel comfortable coming to my office, not nervous," he explains. “I want them to know that I’m here to support them, and that they can trust me.” Adam’s leadership style is grounded in knowing his students on a personal level and helping them see their own potential. He is a constant presence in the hallways, an approachable mentor with an encouraging smile, showing students that the principal’s office isn’t just for discipline; it’s a place for growth.

This personal approach extends to his teachers as well. Adam utilizes the Danielson Model to support Knoxville’s educators, coaching them through their professional development and celebrating their achievements as much as he does the students’. By focusing on planning, classroom culture, and reflective practices, Adam fosters an environment where both teachers and students can thrive. Knoxville isn’t just producing graduates; it’s producing lifelong learners who carry the lessons of character and community wherever they go.

One of Adam’s favorite elements of Knoxville is the support the district receives from its community. Knoxville is a district in the “Goldilocks zone”—small enough to maintain close relationships but large enough to offer rich resources. When the high school building was constructed in 2014, it wasn’t just a structural upgrade; it was a testament to Knoxville’s belief in its future. “It’s an awesome place,” Adam says, “and a privilege to lead here.” He believes in keeping doors open for students, ensuring that each has opportunities to explore paths they might not otherwise consider.

With partnerships with institutions like Galesburg’s Area Vocational Center and Carl Sandburg College, Knoxville opens pathways for students interested in everything from trades to higher education. Adam sees Knoxville as a launch pad, preparing students not just for jobs but for lifelong success.

As he continues his journey, now working towards a doctorate in educational leadership, Adam’s commitment to Knoxville’s success only grows stronger. His research focuses on how student involvement impacts academic performance, a passion that aligns perfectly with Knoxville’s values. For Adam, education is about more than academics; it’s about nurturing well-rounded, engaged citizens who are ready to make a difference in their community and beyond.

Knoxville Schools is more than a district; it’s a family, one where students and teachers alike can find support, encouragement, and the tools to succeed. And under Adam Mize’s leadership, Knoxville is poised to continue its legacy of fostering a community that rallies around its own, celebrating each achievement as a shared victory.