I am excited to be at South Aiken! I've been living in Aiken for over 4 years and love its small town feel! I am a library/media specialist and have been a classroom teacher. I have two daughters who attend Aiken County schools, two cats and 2 big dogs that are part of my family too. I am originally from Tennessee, therefore, I am a devoted Tennessee Volunteer! Go Vols! I also cheer for the Gamecocks unless they are playing Tennessee. My hobbies include reading, anything Disney, traveling, and hanging out by the pool.  

I’ve known that I wanted to be an educator since I was in 4th grade when my teacher read The Secret Garden and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe to my class. I’ve enjoyed reading for pleasure ever since. Come by and ask me what I've been reading! 

I truly believe the library media center is the heart of a school. It is an essential part of the learning community. I am here to help students, teachers, and community members inquire, explore, and collaborate. My favorite part of my position is making connections to and for students. That’s why I love what I do! I hope to see you in the media center! 

Hi! My name is Alex Umsted, and I am an Aiken native. I graduated from South Aiken and love being back in the Thoroughbred family as an educator. After high school, I attended University of South Carolina where I earned my Bachelor of Arts in English and Masters in Teaching.  Later, I decided to go back to the University of South Carolina to earn my Master's in Library and Information Sciences.

This is my 4th year as a school media specialist and my 8th year in education. I tell my co-librarian almost weekly how lucky we are to have the job we have. It's the best job in the world! 

Previously, I taught high school English for four years and spent two of those years at South Aiken. After working in a high school as a teacher for four years, I was reintroduced to the role of school librarians and have fallen in love with that side of education. Ever since I was little, I knew I wanted to be in education and it has been so much fun seeing that dream turn into fruition.  I love helping people see their real potential and helping them meet their goals.

I'm excited about the upcoming school year, and I am looking forward to what's to come. I am also the junior class sponsor and prom coordinator.