Administration – Western Branch High School
Mr. Quentin Hicks, a Chesapeake native, serves as principal of Western Branch High School and is entering his 26th year as an educator with the Chesapeake Public Schools. After graduating from Great Bridge High School, he received his bachelor’s degree in history with a concentration in Political Science Education from Virginia Union University and his master’s degree in Educational Administration from Regent University. Mr. Hicks taught social studies for one year at Great Bridge High School and four years at Hickory High School. In 2002 Mr. Hicks became an administrator and served as an assistant principal for three years at Hickory High School, two years at Western Branch High School, and five years at Grassfield High School. In 2012 he became the principal of Jolliff Middle School, where he served for seven years and Hugo Owens Middle School, where he served for two years. Mr. Hicks resides in Chesapeake and is very active in the Chesapeake community, serving as a member of the New Chesapeake Men for Progress Educational Foundation, The Chesapeake Civic Chorus, and the I. Sherman Greene Chorale. Mr. Hicks is also an active member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., The Virginia Association of Secondary School Principals, and a past member of the State Advisory Committee for Juvenile Justice. His hobbies include singing, relaxing, motivational speaking, spending time with his family, and watching college football and basketball.
Mrs. Biittner earned a B.A. in English from Virginia Tech and a M.Ed. in Administration from The George Washington University. She taught English for 10 years and served in roles such as Cheerleading Coach and Senior Class Sponsor. After leaving the classroom nine years ago, she became the 12th grade administrator for WBHS. This will be her sixth year as Assistant Principal for Instruction. Mrs. Biittner firmly believes in the school motto, “Through honor and success, be a Bruin do your best!”
Mr. Alexander has over twenty years of experience in mathematics and administration. He holds degrees from Delaware State University and Old Dominion University. He is an avid supporter of public education and a proud member of the Bruin-Nation!
Dr. Avery, a graduate of Hickory High School, is a proud product of Chesapeake Public Schools. He holds degrees from Old Dominion University (B.A.), Regent University (M.Ed.), and Nova Southeastern University (Ed.D.). He began his career in education at Western Branch High School where he taught English and Freshman Seminar, served as a member of the MTSS committee, co-sponsored the freshmen class, and founded and sponsored G.A.M.E. In addition to his work at Western Branch, Dr. Avery also wrote and revised curriculum for English and Freshman Seminar at the division level.
Dr. Avery has served as an administrator in Portsmouth Public Schools, Virginia Beach City Public Schools, and also as the inaugural site director for YELLOWHAB, the first of a network of schools founded by Pharrell Williams. “Once a Bruin, always a Bruin,” Dr. Avery is honored to return home to Western Branch High School and serve the Bruin family as the 10th grade Assistant Principal.
Mrs. Howell is currently in her 29th year as an educator and is proud to be a product of Chesapeake Public Schools. She earned her B.A. degree from Virginia Wesleyan University, her M. Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from the College of William and Mary, and an administrative endorsement from The George Washington University. Prior to becoming an assistant principal, she taught at the elementary and middle school levels with English being her primary content area. She believes having positive relationships with students is vital for their academic and personal success. She is proud to be a Bruin and looks forward to working with 11th graders this year.
Mrs. Riddick is a proud product of Chesapeake Public Schools and she earned a B.S. in Mathematics from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. In addition, she has earned a M.S.Ed. and an Ed.S from Old Dominion University. Mrs. Riddick has over 10 years of experience in education and has served in roles such as a Geometry teacher, School Planning Council member, Sophomore Class sponsor, and Study Hall tutor. Mrs. Riddick is currently the Assistant Principal for 12th grade and she is excited to be a member of the Bruin family!
