NATCHEZ — After months of actively searching for a head of school, Trinity Episcopal Day School’s board of trustees named Vidalia High School’s guidance counselor Cynthia Smith to the position Thursday.

Board of Trustees Chairman Dr. Rod Givens said he was excited to have Smith join the administrative staff. Smith will assume her new role this summer.

“She’s eminently qualified and just what we needed,” Givens said.

Smith has a background in counseling, teaching and administration.

She began her career in education at Trinity in 1988.

“I was a counselor for half a day and a math teacher for half a day,” Smith said.

Smith received a master’s of education in school counseling, and in 1990, Smith began working within the Natchez-Adams School District and soon began pursuing her second master’s degree in school administration.

“I became an administrator within the NASD, and I retired from Mississippi in 2004 and became counselor in Vidalia,” Smith said.

“Most of my experience had been with middle schools,” Smith said. “Vidalia gave me the opportunity to work with high school students, and I have been doing that for six years.”

Givens said the array of academic experience set Smith apart from other candidates.

“We want to use the skills she has to enhance our curriculum and instruction so that we have more kids going to college and being better prepared for college,” Givens said.

Smith said she has hopes and goals for Trinity as well.

“My first goal is to investigate and see exactly where the school is with its vision,” Smith said.

“I want to pursue the strongest curriculum and delivery of instruction as possible, and make sure the trust parents put in Trinity is founded and that their children do get a quality education,” Smith said.

“I hope to instill (in students) a desire to learn and a passion to meet their potential.”

Smith said she believes her experiences in administration, teaching and counseling will help her in achieving her goals for the school.

“Each of those components of those careers help me in my ability to lead,” Smith said. “I think I am a better administrator because of my counseling, and I will always have an understanding of the teacher’s dilemma in the classroom.”

Givens said Smith has decided to finish up the school year at Vidalia High School, but will be kept up-to-date on any changes to the school’s teaching staff.

“We want to help her make a smooth transition so she will be fully aware of what she will be taking on come this summer,” Givens said.

Givens said interim Head of School Jackie Ezell will finish out the school year until Smith’s arrival.

Ezell has been interim head of school since July 2009, when the board of trustees let Delecia Carey go.