The Wright Way

In this episode of The Wright Way podcast, Dr. Barber is joined by four outstanding Middle School educators—Katie Browning, Mrs. Sydnee Andrews, and Mrs. Melissa Pugh—for a conversation about the impact of professional development.

They discuss the value of lifelong learning, share experiences that have shaped their growth as educators, and explore how collaboration and new ideas continue to strengthen their classrooms and benefit their students. Listen on your favorite podcast platform by searching "The Wright Way" and be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Is there someone you'd like to hear on the podcast—or are you interested in being a guest yourself? Let us know in the comments or email [email protected].

In this episode of The Wright Way podcast, Dr. Barber is joined by four outstanding Middle School educators—Mrs. Stacie Williams, Mrs. Margaret Andres, Mrs. Brandy Parker, and Dr. Bre Stricklin—for a conversation about the impact of professional development. They discuss the value of lifelong learning, share experiences that have shaped their growth as educators, and explore how collaboration and new ideas continue to strengthen their classrooms and benefit their students.

Listen on your favorite podcast platform by searching "The Wright Way" and be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Is there someone you'd like to hear on the podcast—or are you interested in being a guest yourself? Let us know in the comments or email [email protected].

January 2026 marked an exciting milestone for Mrs. Meredith Cullen, Cooper Buchman, Khandro Butler, Emma Marmande, Allen Moore, and Sam Williams as they wrapped up their work with the NASA/IPAC Teacher Archive Research Program (NITARP). The team traveled to Phoenix, Arizona, where they presented their findings at the 247th meeting of the American Astronomical Society (AAS)—joining astronomers and researchers from around the world to share cutting-edge discoveries.

Their project focused on creating a catalog of short-term variable active galactic nuclei (AGN)—supermassive black holes at the centers of galaxies that are actively consuming surrounding matter. This work contributes to a larger scientific goal: improving cosmic distance measurements and helping to resolve the Hubble tension, the ongoing discrepancy in how fast the universe appears to be expanding.

On this episode of The Wright Way podcast, Dr. Barber sits down with Dr. Marlon Firle, Ed.D and Jordan Jones '02. Dr. Firle serves as the superintendent of MAEF Public Charter Schools, commonly known as Accel Academy where Mr. Jones is the Board Chair. Listen now as these three discuss the educational landscape in Mobile and beyond! 

UMS-Wright welcomes Darnell Archey as its new Girls’ Basketball Coach, bringing over 22 years of experience at the high school and collegiate levels. A former standout at Butler University, Archey helped lead the Bulldogs to four conference titles and a Sweet 16 appearance, while setting the NCAA record for consecutive free throws made (85).

He went on to play professionally and later built an impressive coaching résumé, including roles at Butler, the University of South Alabama, and the University of the Incarnate Word. Most recently, he served as head coach at the University of Mobile, leading the program to the 2025 NAIA National Tournament and back-to-back 20-win seasons.

Archey and his wife, Amanda, have two daughters who attend UMS-Wright.

UMS-Wright welcomes Darnell Archey as its new Girls’ Basketball Coach, bringing over 22 years of experience at the high school and collegiate levels. A former standout at Butler University, Archey helped lead the Bulldogs to four conference titles and a Sweet 16 appearance, while setting the NCAA record for consecutive free throws made (85).

He went on to play professionally and later built an impressive coaching résumé, including roles at Butler, the University of South Alabama, and the University of the Incarnate Word. Most recently, he served as head coach at the University of Mobile, leading the program to the 2025 NAIA National Tournament and back-to-back 20-win seasons.

Archey and his wife, Amanda, have two daughters who attend UMS-Wright.

UMS-Wright welcomes Darnell Archey as its new Girls’ Basketball Coach, bringing over 22 years of experience at the high school and collegiate levels. A former standout at Butler University, Archey helped lead the Bulldogs to four conference titles and a Sweet 16 appearance, while setting the NCAA record for consecutive free throws made (85).

He went on to play professionally and later built an impressive coaching résumé, including roles at Butler, the University of South Alabama, and the University of the Incarnate Word. Most recently, he served as head coach at the University of Mobile, leading the program to the 2025 NAIA National Tournament and back-to-back 20-win seasons.

Archey and his wife, Amanda, have two daughters who attend UMS-Wright.

On this episode of The Wright Way podcast, Dr. Barber sits down with three upper school teachers—Dr. Nancy Hilbun, Mr. Pete Wilson, and Mrs. Chelsea Lawrence—for an engaging conversation about professional development. Together, they share insights on the importance of continuous learning, reflect on meaningful growth experiences in the classroom, and discuss how collaboration and innovation shape their teaching practices!

Don’t miss the upcoming episode of The Wright Way podcast featuring Dr. Barber alongside our campaign co-chairs Walsh Arendall, Ty Bullard, & Curran Foose, and Director of Advancement Julie Otts. Together, they take an in-depth look at the Legacy of Excellence Capital Campaign—sharing how these transformational projects are making a lasting impact on our school!

Tune in to hear the vision, the progress, and the powerful ways our community is investing in the future. Be sure to give it a listen to hear how we are "Impacting Every Student, Every Day!"

#clearpathforpotential

On this episode of The Wright Way podcast, Dr. Barber sits down with four students and Mrs. Jones to discuss their experiences with Project Engage 2026.

Nathan Covo - Behind the Game

Caroline Sherman - Internship with District Attorney's Office

Lily Hooks - Coastal Brushstrokes

Capyln Reed - Paris/London

Visit your favorite podcast platform, search "The Wright Way," and click subscribe so you don't miss out on any upcoming episodes!

Have someone you would like to hear on the podcast, or want to be a guest yourself? Drop a line in the comments or email [email protected].