Longtime JCPS administrator Dr. Julia “Jai” Wilson has been named the new principal of the Dr. J. Blaine Hudson Middle School 6th Grade Academy.
A veteran educator with more than two decades of administrative experience, Wilson joins Hudson after most recently serving as an assistant principal at Fern Creek High School.
“I am excited for the challenge that leading Hudson Middle School 6th Grade Academy is sure to bring,” Wilson said. “I look forward to meeting and working with all of my students, staff, parents and community partners to help make Hudson a school of distinction in the very near future.”
Wilson’s career in JCPS spans 28 years, beginning in the classroom at Central High School, where she taught biology and environmental science for more than five years. She transitioned into administration as an intern at Doss and Fern Creek high schools before serving as an assistant principal at Fern Creek High, Jeffersontown High, and Western High.
Wilson describes her leadership philosophy as being rooted in the belief that "care comes before content." She advocates for stakeholders to operate as "warm demanders," maintaining high expectations for themselves and others while fostering a deeply caring environment.
“We are excited to introduce Dr. Wilson as the leader of Hudson 6th Grade Academy,” said Dr. Nate Meyer, assistant superintendent of the Enhanced Support Zone. “Beyond her expertise as a rigorous instructional leader, Dr. Wilson excels at building the strong, collaborative relationships that help a school community thrive. We look forward to the excellence she will bring to this role.”
A native of the region, Wilson earned a bachelor’s degree in biology education from Kentucky State University. She holds a master’s degree in secondary education and a Rank I in leadership from Indiana University Southeast, as well as a doctorate in educational leadership and organizational development from the University of Louisville.
“Although my career has been spent at the high school level, I know students, and I know good teaching,” Wilson said. “I am dedicated to creating a sixth-grade experience where our students will thrive and also build the foundation needed to be happy, healthy and successful well into high school and beyond.”