Our Principal

Nikkia Hampton has always had a passion for educating young people and a sincere desire to serve God. As a young woman, God revealed His calling on her life—education. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Oakwood University graduating Cum Laude and progressed to the University of Alabama in Birmingham to receive a Master's degree in Elementary Education as well as a Reading Specialist certification.

While completing her Master’s degree at UAB, Ms. Hampton had the opportunity to begin her teaching career working with exceptional needs’ preschoolers at the ARC Daycare. This life-altering experience taught her the value of education to all students. However, through much prayer and fasting, Ms. Hampton decided to leave her Birmingham home and follow God’s perfect will to serve urban schools in Chattanooga, TN.

Ms. Hampton worked in the Hamilton County public school system as a classroom teacher and reading coach for 9 years serving Orchard Knob Elementary School and Brown International Academy. Here, she began development as a teacher leader through the system’s Leadership Academy program.

However, when loving God and loving children are your passions, Christian Education is the ideal place to serve. She became the principal of Avondale SDA School in 2012. During that time, God has richly blessed her presence there through major building improvements, faculty expansion, and a student body increase of 300%. Ms. Hampton was able to secure partnerships that provided a wealth of resources to the school such as free meals, educational support of struggling students, technology, gym access, and professional development for teachers.

As God begins His work in her here at Ephesus Academy, she will continue bring talent, expertise, and a wealth of resources. She is excited to see the outpouring of His power upon her life and the students’ lives she touches in her future as an educator.