The State Board has appointed the Reverend Cedric Portis, Sr. to fill a vacancy on the Joint Executive Governing Board (JEGB) of the Normandy Schools Collaborative. The vacancy was created when board member Dr. Charles Pearson became superintendent of Normandy schools.

Portis, a Normandy High School graduate, serves as senior pastor of Third Presbyterian Church in St. Louis and as adjunct professor of Ethics, Critical Thinking and Organizational Leadership for the University of West Los Angeles. He previously worked as project manager for a variety of engineering projects.

“We are pleased with the addition of the Reverend Portis to the JEGB,” said Commissioner of Education Margie Vandeven. “His skills in critical thinking, problem solving and strategic planning will be valuable in helping the children of Normandy attain a quality education in their own community. As a Normandy graduate, he will advocate to ensure students have the opportunities he was provided.”

Portis holds a Master of Divinity degree from Eden Theological Seminary, a Master of Project Management degree from Keller Graduate School of Management, and bachelor’s degrees in Christian ministry from St. Louis Christian College and mechanical engineering from the University of Missouri-Rolla, now known as Missouri University of Science and Technology.