The Dallas County School Board Monday named Ebony Cox the new assistant principal at Southside High School.

The board unanimously approved the recommendation made by Superintendent of Education Don Willingham.

Cox previously served as supporting staff at Southside, responsible for writing Student Improvement Grants for the school district.

“The grant will be ending next year, and we didn’t want to lose her,” Willingham said. “It was an opportunity to keep her in the administration, and [Southside Principal Clarence Jackson] jumped on it quick.”

Cox replaces Shanetta Holman, who was recently named principal at Bruce K. Craig Elementary School.

Cox said she is eager and prepared for her new title.

“I am thoroughly excited,” Cox said. “It’s an easy transition for me. I already know the faculty and staff there.”

Cox graduated from Fayetteville State University in 2002 with a bachelor’s degree in English, before continuing her education at George Mason University where she earned her master’s degree in education administration in 2005. In 2013, Cox earned her education specialist degree from Alabama State University.  Originally from North Carolina, Cox has served as a language arts teacher for Osbourn Park High School, Wetumpka High School and Chilton County High School.

and Brewbaker Junior High.