Upper Columbia Academy Names New Principal
After an extensive search, the Upper Columbia Academy board of directors has appointed Twila S. Brown as its new principal starting the 2026-2027 school year.
By Dustin R. Jones, MA
UCC Communications Director
Brown has more than 30 years of education experience, and has served as principal at several Adventist schools, including Lake City Junior Academy in Idaho.
“We were impressed by Twila and think she is a great fit for Upper Columbia Academy,” said Adam Littell, PhD, vice president for education, Upper Columbia Conference. “She has a long history in this area and knows how important UCA is to our educational strategy.”
Brown is very familiar with the Pacific Northwest, both as a graduate from Upper Columbia Academy and Walla Walla College (now Walla Walla University), where she received a bachelor’s degree in health science. Additionally, Brown earned a master’s degree in education with a focus on curriculum & instruction from Eastern Washington University.
For the last 12 years, Brown has served as principal of Learning Tree Elementary School in Dalton, Georgia. Under her tenure, enrollment doubled to capacity with more than 80 students. She developed and implemented an outdoor education program and raised more than $250,000 to support resources for the program.
“My husband, Pastor Doug, and I have truly loved our time there and will miss our southern family greatly,” said Brown. “But God’s fingerprints have been all over the events that have recently unfolded, and His calling has become very clear. He is leading me to serve as the principal of Upper Columbia Academy. What a humbling responsibility, and what an honor to give back to my alma mater, the school that helped shape me through the gauntlet of my teenage years, battle scars and all, where I also met my Traveling Companion for life!”
Brown and her husband, Doug, who is a pastor, enjoy rafting, canoeing, rock climbing, hiking, biking, and skiing. They have two grown children and one grandson.
“I’m excited to see what God has in store for each of us and for our school as we walk this next season together,” added Brown. “I also look forward to hearing your stories, how UCA has shaped your life, why you continue to invest and sacrifice for this school, and what your hopes and dreams are for its future.”
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