Dr. Kristal Pollard Epting has a Ph.D. in Research, Evaluation, Statistics, & Assessment from The University of Southern Mississippi.  She holds a B.A. degree in English with Teaching Licensure, an M.Ed. in Counseling and Personnel Services, and an Ed.S. in Educational Leadership Before serving as MAE's lead principal, she served as lead principal of an A-rated school in a neighboring district for 3 years.  Dr. Epting is excited to have the opportunity to continue serving in leadership with a return home to Madison County School District where her leadership journey began as an assistant principal.  She was initially a shared assistant principal of Mannsdale Upper Elementary School and Mannsdale Elementary School when the Upper opened in 2016. Dr. Epting transitioned to assistant principal of Mannsdale Elementary School only for several years after that academic year.  Her experiences as a classroom teacher, school counselor, lead teacher, assistant principal, and principal have led her to year 17 in education for the 2024-2025 school year.

Dr. Epting has earned State and national recognition as an educator.  She has served as President for the Mississippi Association of Elementary School Administrators, the State association for elementary principals across Mississippi.  Dr. Epting also served as an Editorial Adviser of Principal Magazine for the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP).  During her career, she earned the MPE Graduate Scholarship, Mississippi's Outstanding Assistant Principal and then was named as one of the National Outstanding Assistant Principals by NAESP.  

Dr. Epting and her husband Eddie II have one son, Eddie Clark III.  Outside of work, Dr. Epting enjoys spending time with her family, listening to music and podcasts, and traveling to new places.  She is beyond thrilled to walk the journey as principal of Madison Avenue Elementary School.