A Leader Rooted in Detroit

Principal Bryant Tipton is more than just an administrator—he is a dedicated educator, mentor, and community leader. A proud Detroit native and alumnus of Cody High School, Mr. Tipton’s journey in education began with a basketball scholarship that led him to pursue higher education. Over the years, he has earned two master’s degrees and is currently working toward a Ph.D. in K-12 leadership.

With 26 years of experience in education, his impact has been widely recognized. His accolades include being named Staff of the Year at East English Village Prep Academy, Detroit News Coach of the Year (2010), and Coaches Association All-City Coach of the Year (2011). His influence extends beyond the classroom, as seen in awards like the 2020 Omega Psi Phi Remarkable Service Award, 2023 Detroit Choice Awards Favorite Principal, and the 2024 Michigan Chronicle “Men of Excellence” Award.

Since taking the helm at Pershing High School, Principal Tipton has been instrumental in implementing initiatives that enhance student well-being and improve attendance. Recognizing that some students struggled with absenteeism due to a lack of access to clean clothing, he introduced an on-campus washer-dryer unit. This initiative not only benefits students but also allows sports teams to maintain their uniforms on-site.

Beyond addressing basic needs, Principal Tipton has worked to improve school culture through programs like Better Together, a community-driven initiative that fosters peace and cooperation. He has noted that the program has “fundamentally changed the whole climate and culture of our school.”

His commitment to community service has also been evident during critical times. During the pandemic, he partnered with the Cody Rouge Community Alliance and Detroit Impact to distribute food and household essentials to families in need.

Principal Tipton’s leadership has attracted key partnerships that have significantly enriched the student experience at Pershing High School. Some of these collaborations include:

• Detroit Lions, Planet Fitness, Milk Means More, and The Detroit Athletic Club – These organizations helped transform two classrooms into fully functional mini-gyms, encouraging students to prioritize fitness and overall well-being.

• J Dilla Foundation – By partnering with the foundation named after the legendary Detroit musician, Principal Tipton successfully reintroduced music education to Pershing, ensuring students have access to creative arts.

These initiatives highlight his dedication to fostering a well-rounded educational environment that promotes physical health, creativity, and academic achievement.

Principal Tipton has shown an unwavering commitment to creating a safe and nurturing school environment. Some of his most impactful efforts include:

• Shutting down an illegal hookah shop – Principal Tipton led the charge in closing a local establishment that was selling marijuana to students, reinforcing the school’s stance on maintaining a drug-free community.

• Mentorship programs with reformed ex-gang members – By bringing in individuals who have turned their lives around, he has provided students with real-world perspectives on the importance of making positive choices.

• Improving student behavior – Under his leadership, disciplinary issues at Pershing have significantly dropped from 66.7% to 18.1%.

• Boosting student attendance – Thanks to his initiatives, student attendance has improved by 25%.

• Academic success – Pershing has seen a 33.4% increase in academic achievement, demonstrating the effectiveness of his leadership.

Beyond the awards and accomplishments, Principal Tipton is a mentor, role model, and advocate for his students. His presence on platforms like the Mitch Albom Radiothon speaks to his deep commitment to improving the Pershing community.

His work embodies a simple yet powerful principle: When students feel supported, they thrive.

For more information or to contact Principal Tipton, visit Pershing High School’s official website.