Alisha Erickson Recognized As Field Award Recipient
Alisha Erickson, Principal at Poplar Grove School in the Franklin Special District, has been named as recipient of the William J. and Lucille H. Field Award for Excellence in School Principalship for the State of Tennessee in the Elementary Division.
The Field Award was established to recognize school leaders who demonstrate leadership excellence through commitment to the values of civility, candor, courage, social justice, responsibility, compassion, community, persistence, service, and excellence. Administered by the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies (ELPS) within the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences, the Field Award identifies a Tennessee elementary school principal whose life and work are characterized by leadership excellence and encourages elementary school principals to pause and reflect upon their current leadership practice and to consider their experience, challenges, and opportunities in light of the personal values that they embody.
Erickson has served as Principal of Poplar Grove Elementary School since 2013. In addition to this role, she was placed in charge of the middle school in 2025. She currently leads the newly unified Poplar Grove School, serving 600 kindergarten through eighth grade students. Over the years, the students in all grade levels have achieved consistent A ratings on the Tennessee School Report card. In 2025, Poplar Grove Elementary was one of only four schools in Tennessee named a Model PLC School.
According to David Snowden, Franklin Special District Director of Schools, “Dr. Erickson is a connector. She brings the structure and support that empower both students and teachers to thrive. Her ability to build strong relationships and lead with clarity makes her the ideal leader.”
Erickson holds a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Middle Tennessee State University, master’s degrees from Trevecca Nazarene University and Tennessee State University, and holds a Doctor of Education from Lipscomb University.
On behalf of the Department of Educational Leadership & Policy Studies, congratulations, Alisha Erickson!