Admin Team
Principal - Brion Rutherford
Welcome to Baptist Hill High School—home of the Bobcats and a proud part of the Hollywood/ Ravenel community! I am excited about the opportunities in front of us for the 2025-2026 school year. At Baptist Hill, we believe in high expectations, positive relationships, and creating a school culture that supports students and builds on the rich history of this area of Charleston County. Through our schoolwide PBIS program, we reinforce positive behavior, recognize student growth, and build the kind of campus climate that makes coming to school something to look forward to each day for students and staffulty.
Speaking of our staffulty, our educators are all-in on delivering engaging, student-centered instruction and offering meaningful opportunities in academics, arts, athletics, and leadership. From the classroom to the community, we are working to empower every student with the skills and confidence they need to take advantage of the post-secondary opportunities that exist in The Lowcountry and beyond. There’s a renewed energy on our campus, and, as my partner at Baptist Hill Middle School Kevin Smith, put it - we are going to lead our current group of students into the future while honoring and building upon the traditions of the past.
Thank you!
High School Assistant Principal - Farrakhan James
Farrakhan James is a dedicated educator with 14 years of experience in the field of education. Throughout his career, he has served in multiple roles supporting both students and staff, including mentor, evaluator, Restorative Practices Trainer, social studies teacher, and human resources personnel. Beyond his work in schools, Mr. James has contributed to the Tri-County community as a non-profit consultant and grant writer.
As a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Mr. James upholds the principles of service, leadership, and advocacy. He holds a bachelor’s degree in education from the College of Charleston, a Master of Arts in Teaching in Secondary Social Studies, and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership (Secondary) from The Citadel Military College of South Carolina. He is currently pursuing a doctorate in leadership at Charleston Southern University.
With a strong foundation in lesson planning, curriculum development, classroom instruction, and classroom management, Mr. James remains deeply committed to serving students and enhancing their educational experiences.
High School Assistant Principal - Tiffany Harris
Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, Ms. Harris began her career as a high school English teacher. In 2008, she took a bold leap of faith, moving to Charlotte, North Carolina—without knowing a single person. During the recession, she briefly transitioned into the insurance industry but never lost her passion for education.
After six years away from the classroom, Ms. Harris relocated to South Carolina and proudly rejoined the field of education. She has served as an assistant principal for the past seven years and is thrilled to begin her eighth year here at Baptist Hill High School —home of the Bobcats!
When she’s not supporting students and staff, Ms. Harris enjoys cooking, relaxing at the beach, and traveling to new places.
Her motto:
“Do the right thing, for the right reasons, at the right time—and success will follow.”
Dr. Lee Hunter - Dean of Academics
Dr. Lee T. Hunter is a certified educator with 33 years of experience in public school districts across Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Throughout her career, she has served in a variety of roles, including District Instructional Specialist, District-Level Grant Coordinator, Co-Director of NCMLE’s Schools to Watch, Principal, Assistant Principal, Curriculum Facilitator, PLC Facilitator, Gifted Education Specialist, Intervention Specialist, and Classroom Teacher.
Dr. Hunter earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Furman University, a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from High Point University, and both an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) and Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree in Educational Leadership with a concentration in Curriculum and Instruction from Wingate University.