Dr. Jessica Tollison, principal of Nike Elementary School in the Meramec Valley R-III School District, has been named the 2026 South Central Region Distinguished Principal of the Year by the Missouri Association of Elementary School Principals.
The honor recognizes elementary leaders who demonstrate exceptional commitment to student achievement, character development, and school leadership. Dr. Tollison was selected for her student-centered approach and her unwavering belief that all students can and will learn when provided with a positive, supportive environment that encourages exploration, builds confidence, and nurtures curiosity.
Dr. Tollison currently serves as principal of Nike Elementary. Under her leadership, the school was named a 2025 National School of Character by Character.org, a national distinction recognizing schools that embed character development into every aspect of student life.
Prior to becoming principal, Dr. Tollison served as assistant principal at Pacific Intermediate. In that role, she helped lead the district’s successful reorganization, including the transition of fifth and sixth grades into a unified building as part of the district’s elementary and intermediate school model. She also brings more than 10 years of classroom experience, teaching seventh and eighth grade language arts, as well as fourth and fifth grades. During her teaching career, she served as a student council advisor, curriculum and instructional committee member, and mentor to new teachers.
Her leadership has earned recognition at both the regional and state levels. In 2022, she was named MAESP South Central Region Exemplary New Principal of the Year. In 2020, she was recognized as the region’s Outstanding Assistant Principal. Additional honors include Missouri Association of Student Council Advisor of the Year, Teacher of the Year distinctions, and statewide recognition as a student-nominated “Favorite Teacher.”
Dr. Tollison remains actively involved in MAESP, currently serving as the South Central Region public relations officer and previously as regional president and secretary. She also mentors administrators through the Missouri Leadership Development System and has completed multiple statewide leadership programs.
Her selection as the 2026 South Central Region Distinguished Principal of the Year celebrates not only her professional accomplishments but also her ongoing commitment to students, staff, and families in the MVR-III community.