| Full Name | Yanilka “Nicky” Andrews |
|---|---|
| Age | 50 |
| Date of Passing | May 23, 2025 |
| Location | Greenville, South Carolina |
| Educational Background | Furman University, University of South Carolina |
| Career Highlights | Principal at Greenbrier Elementary, Greenville Middle Academy; Coordinator in Spartanburg District Five |
| Family | Husband: Mark Andrews; Son: Jack Andrews |
| Affiliations | North Hills Church, Taylors, SC |
| Legacy | Educational leadership, equity advocacy, teacher mentorship |
Honoring Nicky Andrews: A Life of Service, Leadership, and Educational Empowerment
The Upstate South Carolina community, especially in Greenville and Spartanburg counties, is grieving the loss of one of its most impactful educational leaders. Yanilka “Nicky” Andrews, a tireless advocate for equity and excellence in public education, passed away unexpectedly on May 23, 2025. Her passing leaves a profound void not only in the institutions she served but in the hearts of thousands of students, teachers, and families whose lives she touched.
Nicky’s career was defined by her unshakable belief that education has the power to transform lives. Her work was more than a profession—it was a calling, rooted in her faith, values, and commitment to community upliftment.
A Passion for Learning from the Start
Nicky’s journey into the world of education began with a firm foundation in academic excellence. She earned her undergraduate degree from Furman University and later received advanced degrees from the University of South Carolina. These institutions not only shaped her intellectually but also instilled in her a profound responsibility to give back.
It was clear early on that Nicky was not destined for the sidelines. Her natural leadership skills, coupled with her deep empathy and drive, positioned her to be a change-maker in every role she took on.
Principal, Mentor, and Visionary Leader
Nicky Andrews began her administrative career as the Principal of Greenbrier Elementary School, where she served from 2008 to 2016. During her tenure, she was known for implementing inclusive policies, supporting teachers’ professional growth, and boosting student outcomes through collaborative engagement with families and staff.
In 2016, she took on the leadership of Greenville Middle Academy, where her influence grew even further. She was not just a principal—she was a mentor, a strategist, and a compassionate guide. Colleagues recall her hands-on approach and her open-door policy that made students and teachers feel seen and valued.
Her ability to lead with both heart and skill earned her a reputation for transforming school culture. Under her leadership, Greenville Middle Academy became a nurturing environment focused not just on academic achievement, but on social-emotional learning and equity.
Empowering Educators in Spartanburg County
In 2024, Nicky stepped into a new challenge as the Coordinator of Training and Teacher Quality for Spartanburg County School District Five. In this district-wide role, she poured her energy into developing leadership among teachers, crafting innovative training models, and strengthening the infrastructure for teacher success.
It was a natural extension of her life’s work. Nicky believed that to serve students well, educators needed to be equipped, empowered, and inspired. Her initiatives prioritized professional development, inclusivity, and continuous learning—core values she lived by.
Even in this broader capacity, she never lost her personal touch. She continued mentoring teachers one-on-one, attending classroom observations, and celebrating the small wins that made big differences.
Rooted in Faith and Family
While her career was inspiring, Nicky’s personal life was the anchor that kept her grounded. She was a woman of faith, a dedicated member of North Hills Church in Taylors, SC, where she contributed to the community with warmth and integrity.
Her family was her pride and joy. She is survived by her devoted husband, Mark Andrews, and their beloved son, Jack Andrews. Nicky was also the cherished daughter of Maria Delgado and the late Carlos Delgado, and the loving sister of Isabel Delgado-Moore.
Friends and family describe her as a beacon of light—always offering encouragement, praying for others, and living by the values she taught.
A Celebration of Life and Legacy
A Celebration of Life service for Nicky Andrews will take place on Tuesday, May 28, 2025, at 1:30 PM at North Hills Church in Taylors, SC. The entire community is invited to join in remembrance of a life that radiated love, service, and purpose.
In lieu of flowers, the Andrews family has requested that donations be made in Nicky’s name to either North Hills Church or organizations that promote educational equity and teacher development—causes closest to her heart.
Tributes from a Grateful Community
Since the announcement of her passing, the outpouring of love has been overwhelming. Former students have shared stories of how she changed the trajectory of their lives. Teachers remember her as a guiding hand who believed in them even when they doubted themselves.
One educator wrote:
“Nicky believed in me before I believed in myself. She didn’t just shape my career—she helped shape who I am as a person.”
These tributes capture the essence of her legacy—a life dedicated to uplifting others through education, compassion, and unwavering integrity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Who was Nicky Andrews?
A: Nicky Andrews was an esteemed educational leader in Greenville and Spartanburg, SC, known for her roles as principal and teacher mentor.
Q: What schools did she work with?
A: She served at Greenbrier Elementary, Greenville Middle Academy, and Spartanburg District Five.
Q: What was her educational background?
A: Nicky earned degrees from Furman University and the University of South Carolina.
Q: When and where is her memorial service?
A: The Celebration of Life will be held on May 28, 2025, at 1:30 PM at North Hills Church, Taylors, SC.
Q: How can I honor her legacy?
A: Donations in her honor can be made to North Hills Church or to organizations promoting educational equity and teacher development.
Conclusion: A Lasting Legacy of Learning and Love
Nicky Andrews was a leader whose influence cannot be measured by test scores or titles. Her life’s work was rooted in compassion, her mission was driven by a belief in human potential, and her legacy will live on in every teacher she mentored and every student she inspired.
In her honor, may we continue to build inclusive classrooms, nurture one another with grace, and believe—wholeheartedly—in the power of education to change the world.
May her memory be a blessing, and may her work continue to shape generations to come