Quintarries Upshaw, a Troy native and graduate of Charles Henderson High School and Troy University, describes his time at TROY as the foundation that shaped his work as an educator. 

 “Troy University felt like home,” he said. “Professors actually spoke to you. They took time to learn who you were. I was never a number.” 

He began his studies in music education and performed with the Sound of the South before shifting to Human Services, a change that came from recognizing where he felt called to serve. 

 “Something tugged at my heart,” he said. “My advisors guided me through that change and helped me find the direction I was supposed to go.” He later earned a master’s degree in social science which continues to inform his approach in the classroom. 

Today Upshaw teaches civics at Workman Middle School in Pensacola and was recently named Teacher of the Year at his school. The recognition reflects the level of commitment he brings to his work, the relationships he builds with students, and the academic growth he helps them achieve. 

His teaching style blends traditional and modern strategies, grounded in storytelling as his anchor. “I am a storyteller,” he said. “This generation is so digitized, so storytelling helps me get their attention.” He incorporates pencil-and-paper tasks, Socratic discussions, and structured activities that encourage students to lead and collaborate. 

Demand for his support continues to grow.  “When I put a sign-up sheet on my door, 78students signed their names,” he said. He now works with 55students through high-impact tutoring that focuses on reading, writing, and comprehension. “These kids want to learn. That makes the difference.” 

His commitment to literacy led him to establish the LJE Legacy Literacy Foundation in 2025. The nonprofit aims to address gaps in vocabulary, comprehension, and reading skills. “Students lost a lot during COVID,” he said. “You cannot expect a student to break down a civics question if they do not know what interpret or analyze mean.” The foundation gives him flexibility to structure learning sessions based on what students need most. “Once they understand the basic concept, we can build everything else on top of it.” 

Upshaw is also a published Southern Gothic author with four books in print. He credits Troy University with helping him discover the confidence to write. “A professor once told me I was an awesome storyteller,” he said. “That made a difference.” His works draw from the storytellers he grew up around and the cultural experiences that shaped him. 

Teaching in a military community means his classroom includes students from many countries. Upshaw said his TROY experience prepared him for this diversity. “TROY exposed me to students from all over the world. That helped me when I started teaching students from so many different backgrounds.” 

As his students prepare a documentary to mark the nation’s approaching 250th anniversary, Upshaw remains focused on literacy, civic understanding, and student growth. “As long as they want to learn, I am here,” he said.