Paul G. Barnes, EdS
Director, TRIO Upward Bound Programs
Paul G. Barnes
Mr. Barnes joined the University of Montevallo TRIO Upward Bound Programs as Program Coordinator in 1999. Over the years, his job duties changed as the needs of the program changed and his most recent title was Educational Technology Coordinator. In 2021, he was promoted to Director. Mr. Barnes is responsible for creating and overseeing programs and services designed to serve and support first-generation, low-income high school students. He is also responsible for all record-keeping, monitoring program compliance with federal regulations, government reporting, and grant writing.
Prior to joining the UM TRIO Upward Bound Programs staff, Mr. Barnes was a community mental health counselor, a computer technician, a webmaster, and a network manager.
Jamaica Dunigan, MEd
Academic Coordinator
Jamaica Dunigan
Ms. Jamaica joined the University of Montevallo TRIO Upward Bound Programs in the Summer of 2009 as a Resident Assistant, Instructor, and Tutor. Jamaica quickly transitioned into the positions of Instructor and Lead Master Tutor, and in 2020 she was promoted and became the Academic Coordinator. As Academic Coordinator, Ms. Jamaica is responsible for assisting students with academics by providing supplemental instruction for participants and monitoring grades and assessment data. She is also responsible for training tutors, providing academic guidance, and assisting students with scholarships.
Before joining TRIO Upward Bound Programs staff, Ms. Jamaica worked for Shelby County Schools for eight years as a paraeducator and as a counselor in the after school program.
Reggie Holifield, MEd
Math and Science Coordinator
Reggie Holifield
Mr. Reggie is an alumnus of the University of Montevallo TRIO Upward Bound, Student Support Services, and Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement programs. He joined The University of Montevallo TRIO Upward Bound Programs in the Fall of 2014 as a volunteer tutor, and soon transitioned into the roll of Master Tutor. In the Summer of 2021, Mr. Reggie was promoted to the position of Math and Science Coordinator. His areas of responsibilities include: collaborating with community partners to enhance program resources including research and applied science opportunities; supervising the UBMS STEM Mentoring program; assisting participants in the identification and selection of STEM majors and career fields of interest; assisting in the identification, recruitment, and selection of project participants; coordinating STEM-related career site visits; implementing STEM workshops; and preparing students for successful entry into post-secondary programs.
Prior to joining the UM TRIO Upward Bound Programs staff, Mr. Reggie served as a secondary school educator in the field of science. He has taught courses including ACT Prep, Advanced Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry, Life Science, Physical Science, and Science: Reading, Writing, and Publishing.
Anitka Sims, BBA
Administrative Assistant
Anitka Sims
Mrs. Anitka Stewart Sims joined the TRIO Upward Bound staff in January 2020 as Administrative Assistant. In this position, Anitka works with staff, students, and external offices providing various administrative support functions.
Previously, she worked as SEA Thrift Store manager for Shelby Emergency Assistance. Anitka graduated from the University of Montevallo with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Management.