Waco ISD names Qunisha Johnson as next University High principal

University High School Assistant Principal Qunisha Johnson will become the school's principal effective Monday, the district announced this week.

Johnson will replace Alonzo McAdoo, who chosen in August as the district's executive director of secondary education . McAdoo has been University's principal since July 2022, remaining in the role until Johnson takes over.

Since beginning as assistant principal at University High in March, Johnson has worked on campus safety and security measures, worked with counselors on setting accountability processes and improved student attendance, the district said in a press release.

Johnson's experience at University and her years before that as an administrator and counselor factored into her selection, Waco Independent School District Superintendent Tiffany Spicer said in the press release.

Before coming to University High, Johnson was an associate principal at J.H. Hines Elementary School starting last year. Before that, she was an assistant principal at Midway Middle School. She has worked 12 years as a school counselor and has her superintendent certification. Johnson holds an undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of Texas, a master's in professional counseling from Texas State University and a doctorate in educational leadership from Tarleton State University.

Waco High School also got a new principal this year. The district picked former Indian Spring Middle School Principal Joseph Alexander for the Waco High job , replacing Sterlin McGruder, who moved out of the district to become a Fort Worth high school principal.