The Selma Times-Journal

James Terry has voted on his last agenda item.

Saturday was the last day of Terry&8217;s term as a member of the Selma City School Board. He has served for 15 years.

Barbara Stapp-Hiouas, school board president, thanked Terry for his service and for helping her learn the ropes when she became part of the school board.

Terry said he joined the school board because he&8217;s always had a love for children and wanted to help better their lives.

As a former employee of the Alabama State Employment Service, Job Corps, veteran representative and father of six, Terry said he knows that &8220;a quality education is empowerment for our children.&8221;

Being a board member has taught Terry about teamwork.

Verdell Lett-Dawson, interim superintendent for Selma City Schools, said Terry has been a very valuable contributory board member, and his love for children and the school system has shown in his work.

Dr. Udo Ufomadu will fill Terry&8217;s seat. The Selma City Council appointed Ufamadu and Dr. Anne Fitts, who is entering her second term, on May 12. Both will be sworn in later this month.

Ufomadu is a resident of Selma, the father of four children, three of whom are in the Selma City School System, and the oldest is a graduate of Selma High.

He received his bachelor&8217;s from Troy University and a master&8217;s from Alabama State University. His doctorate is from Madison University in Gulfport, Miss. He is a consumer food safety protection specialist for Alabama. He is a certified inspector by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and is founder of Ufomadu Consulting & Publishing.