Dr. Sharonda P. Giles is hooded by Dr. Lakeisa Tucker, acting dean of SC State’s College of Graduate and Professional Studies, and Dr. Percy Mack, chair of the Department of Educational Leadership, on May 8.
with many of these students on her way to receive her doctorate,” said Dr. Percy Mack, chair of the Department of Educational Leadership. “But, you know, life sometimes has a short call than what we expect. She passed away along the journey.”
“She had done all of her classes — she had done everything. She was in the process of writing her dissertation. And even though she was very ill, she would not stop,” Mack said. “She worked to the end.”
The mission of SC State’s Doctor of Education in Educational Administration Program is to develop transformational leaders who can address complex challenges in education through research-based solutions, ethical decision-making, and a commitment to equity and student success.
The Ed.D. program is a cornerstone of SC State’s designation as a Carnegie R2
high-research institution. It combines advanced academic study with real-world leadership development, preparing graduates to make systemic improvements in school districts, agencies, and communities. The mission has expanded through a new partnership with Williamsburg County School District to help credential current and aspiring school leaders.
Giles said returning to SC State for her doctorate was a natural continuation of her leadership journey.
“I chose South Carolina State University because I did my master’s degree here,” she said. “The curriculum, the philosophy of education that they provide their students with is awesome. And again, it supports me as an administrator to build capacity for students on the well-being and diverse learning needs of students.”
Her dissertation, “The Effects of the Academic
Achievement of Kindergarten Students Who Attended Pre-Kindergarten,” evaluated the long-term benefits of early childhood education.
“I found that pre-kindergarten education is very beneficial for young students,” Giles said. “The early childhood years are so important in developing the whole child.”
Her research concluded that students who attended pre-kindergarten performed better academically in kindergarten than their peers who did not — reinforcing her belief in strong early learning programs.
Giles continues to lead at Brockman Elementary but is already focused on the future.
“My overall goal is to one day become a superintendent,” she said.
The Department of Educational Leadership is a unit of the College of Education, Humanities and Social Sciences in cooperation with the College of Graduate and Professional Studies.
For more information about SC State’s advanced degrees in educational leadership, contact Dr. Percy Mack at pmack1@scsu.edu or 803- 536-8266.
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