Contact: Sammy McDavid
A new and specialized public school administration program at Mississippi State University is getting praise and a national stamp of approval.
The first in Mississippi, the two-year licensure program in educational leadership was created in 1997 to prepare teachers, counselors and others for positions as principals or assistant principals. The curriculum is based on the latest state and national standards.
In its recent notification letter to College of Education Dean William H. Graves II, the Washington, D.C.-based Educational Leadership Constituent Council said, "Professional leadership aspects of the program are especially well designed to develop skilled leaders for changing schools and changing conditions. The program also provides a commendable emphasis on ethics and values in the decision-making process."
Graves called the new program "a leader in the nation," adding, "We congratulate our faculty on the Starkville and Meridian campuses for the many hours of hard work they put into its creation." Professor Gary P. Johnson in Starkville and associate professor Sherry L. Dungan in Meridian headed the effort.
Department head Ned B. Lovell said one of the program's primary goals is "to produce educational executives who are prepared to provide immediate leadership for Mississippi's public schools."
The first class of 12 is scheduled to graduate in May, Lovell added. Of the group, six are women and four are African American.
The superintendent or supervising principal must nominate candidates for the program. Among other criteria, they also must successfully complete an interview process that assesses educational experiences, leadership capabilities, interpersonal and written communication skills, and professional development activities.
"It is a demanding process, but one that we feel brings us the best possible candidates to prepare for these critical administrative positions," Lovell said.