Administration

PRINCIPAL

Emily King
(850) 937-5453 
eking@ecsdfl.us 

 

Education
Bringing over two decades of dedicated educational experience within Escambia County Public Schools, Mrs. Emily King is a proven leader committed to fostering academic excellence, student safety, and strong community partnerships.

Emily transitions to Tate High School from Pine Forest High School, where she served with distinction as the Assistant Principal of School Instruction (2021-2026) and previously as the Assistant Principal of Discipline and Facilities (2019-2021). Her exceptional leadership was recognized at the district level when she was named the 2024-2025 ECPS Assistant Principal of the Year and selected for the prestigious Chancellor’s Leaders Academy the same year.

Throughout her career, she has been a driving force for school improvement, working hand-in-hand with teachers to implement data-driven instruction and elevate student achievement. She has deep expertise in managing comprehensive academic programming, supervising Advanced Placement (AP) courses, Gifted Enrichment, Dual Enrollment partnerships, and overseeing school-wide testing (ACT, SAT, PSAT).

Emily’s educational journey began in the classroom at Brentwood Middle School and then Woodham Middle School, where she taught Language Arts from 2005 to 2013 and served as Department Chair for the English and Reading department. Her excellence in teaching earned her a spot as a Top Five Teacher of the Year for Escambia County Public Schools in 2011 for Escambia County Schools. 

Emily’s commitment to student development extends well beyond the traditional classroom. She attended the University of Pittsburgh on a competitive swimming scholarship, an experience that instilled a lifelong appreciation for student athletics and teamwork. She later shared this passion with her students by serving as the Head Swim Coach for Brentwood and Woodham Middle School for eight years.

Recognizing her talent for mentoring colleagues, she transitioned into impactful roles as an Instructional Coach at both Woodham Middle School (2013-2016) and Pine Forest High School (2016-2019). In these roles, she specialized in designing school-wide professional development, spearheading Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), and developing literacy and writing initiatives across all subject areas. 

A firm believer that a thriving school relies on a deeply connected community, Emily is eager to fully immerse herself in the rich traditions of Tate High School. She is dedicated to amplifying Aggie Pride both on campus and across the community by working closely with families, local businesses, and community partners. Through collaborative campus events, Spirit Nights, and active engagement, she looks forward to cultivating an inclusive environment where school spirit thrives and every student feels a deep sense of pride in wearing the Crimson and Grey.

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL, CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION

Austin Courson
(850) 937-2301 
acourson@ecsdfl.us 
 

Education
American College of Education, Class of 2018 – M.Ed. in Educational Leadership
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Class of 2014 – B.S. Technical Management, Logistics
Tate High School, Class of 2009

Austin Courson is a fifth-generation Floridian and a committed, visionary educational leader dedicated to student achievement, teacher support, and high-quality instructional programming. A second-generation educator and proud graduate of Tate High School, Austin brings over 15 years of experience in public education and a deep-rooted passion for developing future-ready learners.

He began his career in 2010 as a program assistant with the Escambia County School District’s Agricultural Education and FFA programs, supporting initiatives at the district level, Tate High School, and Ransom Middle School. In 2015, he transitioned into the classroom as an Agricultural Educator and FFA Advisor, serving students at West Florida High School of Advanced Technology before returning to Tate High School.

Austin’s dedication and instructional excellence were recognized in 2019 when he was named Tate High School Teacher of the Year and a Top 5 Finalist for Escambia County School District Teacher of the Year. He has led multiple instructional development efforts through district and statewide committees, helping shape the future of career and technical education in Florida.

Currently, Austin serves as the Assistant Principal for Curriculum and Instruction at Tate High School, where he focuses on empowering students, revitalizing the teaching workforce, and implementing high standards of learning. In this role, he collaborates with faculty, staff, and district leadership to improve instructional practices and student outcomes school-wide.

At the district level, Austin has served on several key committees, including the START Review Board, Contract Negotiation Team, Employee Benefits Committee, and as Chair of the Student Discipline Task Force. His leadership philosophy emphasizes collaboration, integrity, and a student-centered approach to problem-solving.

A lifelong advocate for agricultural education, Austin proudly served as the 2009–2010 Florida FFA State Secretary. Under his leadership, the Tate FFA Chapter achieved national recognition, ranking among the top 160 chapters out of more than 9,500 nationwide.

Austin’s work is grounded in three guiding values: people, passion, and purpose—principles that continue to drive his service to students, teachers, and the broader school community.

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL, FACILITIES & ATHLETICS

Greg Blackmon
(850) 937-5455
gblackmon@ecsdfl.us
 

Education
University of West Florida, Class of 1998 – M.Ed. in Educational Leadership
University of West Florida, Class of 1990 – B.S. in Physical Education
Pensacola Junior College, Class of 1988 – A.A. in Physical Education
Tate High School, Class of 1986

Greg Blackmon is a lifelong Aggie, a championship-winning coach, and a respected educational leader who has dedicated more than three decades to the students of Escambia County Public Schools. A proud graduate of Tate High School, Greg’s journey from the Aggie baseball field to the front office reflects his deep commitment to his community.  

As a student-athlete, Greg played under legendary coach Randy Putman from 1984–1986, leading the Aggies to two Florida State Championships and the 1984 National Championship. His success continued at Pensacola Junior College, where he captured a Conference Championship, before advancing to the University of West Florida. At UWF, he distinguished himself as one of the program’s top hitters, setting the school’s career batting average record (.375), earning All-Region honors, and helping his team reach the NAIA College World Series under the leadership of Jim Spooner. In recognition of his accomplishments, Greg was inducted into the UWF Athletics Hall of Fame in 2005.

After his playing career, Greg returned to his alma mater as Tate’s head baseball coach in 1998, where his leadership defined an era of Aggie excellence. Across 14 seasons, his teams compiled a 329–78 record, captured two state championships (1998 & 2005), and made five Final Four appearances. Greg remains the winningest coach in Tate baseball history, honored as 6A Coach of the Year and an eight-time District I FACA Coach of the Year.

Today, Greg serves as Assistant Principal and Athletic Director at Tate High School, where he works to ensure that Aggie athletics and academics continue to thrive. In this role, he mentors coaches, supports student-athletes, and fosters a culture of character, discipline, and pride that reflects the rich legacy of Tate High School.

Beyond campus, Greg is a devoted family man. He is married to Melissa Blackmon, a fellow UWF Hall of Fame inductee and former softball standout. Together, they have three children—Kaleigh, Logan, and Kendall—who share in the Aggie tradition of excellence.

Grounded in teamwork, perseverance, and integrity, Greg’s leadership continues to shape Tate High School’s future while honoring its storied past.

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL, DEANS & DISCIPLINE

Somer Bridges
(850) 937-5452 
sbridges@ecsdfl.us