EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP & ADMINISTRATION PROGRAM
POINTS OF PRIDE
DR. KEVIN E. FOREHAND
From the Director
I am honored to share the remarkable progress and continued success of the Online M.S./Ed.S. Educational Leadership & Administration program at Florida State University. Rooted in our theme, “Cultivating Purpose, Elevating Excellence,” our program remains steadfast in its mission to prepare bold, equity-driven leaders who shape the future of education with skill, vision, and resilience.
It is our mission to prepare a diverse group of equity-driven aspiring leaders who are critical thinkers and who cultivate and lead inclusive and collaborative communities of educators to address systemwide educational issues for the success and well-being of all students.
Our program is guided by the following principles: (1) Ethic of care, (2) Cultural & Critical consciousness, (3) Community building; (4) Agency & Action toward systemic improvement; and our graduates will serve as agents of change to impact educational systems by:
1. Enacting a personal leadership philosophy that reflects an ethic of care.
2. Committing to critical reflection and continuous improvement
3. Empowering all stakeholder groups to develop and promote a school vision and mission.
4. Advocating for marginalized populations in school decision-making processes.
5. Marshalling resources to improve inequitable systems.
6. Leading innovative and culturally sustaining instructional practices.
7. Driving improvements and capacity building in literacy through culturally sustaining pedagogy.
8. Shaping an inclusion- and diversity-focused school culture.
9. Reducing disparities in disciplinary actions, special education placement, and academic tracks for student subgroups.
10. Recruiting educators with diverse backgrounds and providing professional learning opportunities.
11. Developing and leading a leadership team through relationship-building and learning opportunities.
12. Empowering families, community members and students who have been marginalized
This year has been one of transformation and intentional innovation. Our faculty have worked diligently to revamp courses, reimagine field experiences, and align every aspect of our program to the newly established Florida Educational Leadership Standards (FELS). These revisions go beyond compliance; they represent our commitment to ensuring that every graduate emerges fully prepared to meet the complexities of school leadership today; while maintaining the integrity our top-notch program.
The results of this work are already evident. Alumni are stepping into leadership roles at an accelerated pace, reflecting both the strength of their preparation and the increasing demand for transformative school leaders. Our students continue to demonstrate exceptional performance on the Florida Educational Leadership Examination (FELE), a testament to the rigor and relevance of our curriculum. FSU consistently outpaces the statewide averages in all subtests, both on first and best attempts. Across all subtests, FSU students achieve over 95% pass rates on their best attempts, showcasing the effectiveness of our preparation strategies.
INNOVATING LEADERSHIP PREPARATION
Beyond coursework, we have embraced innovative instructional strategies that enhance learning and bridge the gap between theory and practice. Through the integration of
digital and mixed-reality simulations, our students engage in dynamic leadership scenarios that mirror real-world challenges. These immersive experiences allow them to hone decision-making skills, navigate complex school environments, and refine their leadership approaches in a controlled yet authentic setting.
BUILDING A LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP
The impact of our program extends far beyond the virtual classroom. Our students are engaged in research-practice partnerships, working alongside faculty and district leaders to develop data-informed solutions to pressing educational challenges. These collaborations reinforce the power of evidence-based leadership while strengthening connections between university preparation and K-12 application.
As we look ahead, we remain committed to expanding access, fostering innovation, and strengthening our leadership pipeline. With your continued support, we will ensure that FSU remains a leader in principal preparation, producing visionary school leaders ready to transform learning communities across Florida and beyond.
Thank you for being a part of our journey. We are grateful for your partnership and look forward to another year of purposeful leadership and elevated excellence.
Dr. Kevin E. Forehand Director
Online M.S./Ed.S. Educational Leadership & Administration Florida State University
Transformative Leadership
Dr. Benny L. Bolden, Jr., an esteemed adjunct professor at our institution, has recently garnered significant attention for his transformative leadership as the principal of R. Frank Nims Middle School in Southside Tallahassee. Under his guidance since 2019, the school achieved a historic milestone in 2024, earning a ‘B’ rating from the state for the first time in its 66-year history—a remarkable improvement from previous assessments.
Dr. Bolden’s tenure at Nims has been marked by a steadfast commitment to fostering a culture of “care, hope, and love,” principles he emphasizes in his daily interactions with students and staff. Reflecting on his journey, Dr. Bolden shared, “I see self in my students and make it my assignment to give them my care, hope, and love.”
Under his leadership, the school has seen remarkable improvements in academic performance. The recent rating is a testament to the dedication of both students and faculty. Parent Thome Hawthorne-Glover expressed her pride, stating, “For years, people have always looked down on Nims. We’ve never been a B. Just finally making it to a B is like a dream come true.”
Dr. Bolden’s innovative approach includes a significant expansion of the school’s arts program. He introduced disciplines such as chorus, orchestra, theatre, and visual arts, complementing the existing band and dance offerings. This initiative led to the doubling of student enrollment in arts programs, from 230 to over 550 students. In recognition of the efforts, Dr. Bolden received the 2022 Opening Nights at Florida State University Arts Advocate Award.
Furthering his commitment to providing diverse educational opportunities, Dr. Bolden spearheaded the establishment of the Nims Academy of Legal Studies, a Pre-Law Magnet Program. Launched in 2021, this innovative program offers students in grades six through eight a curriculum designed to explore legal studies, including topics such as the history of law, the judicial system, forensic science, and policymaking. Notably, Nims became one of few middle schools in Florida to offer such a program, providing students with a unique opportunity to delve into the field of law at an early age.
In addition to the Pre-Law Magnet Program, Dr. Bolden introduced Leon County’s first-ever school esports lab at Nims Middle School. This state-of-the-art facility provides students with opportunities to engage in technology-driven activities, including game design lessons and hosting competitions. The esports lab is designed to enhance students’ technological proficiency and foster skills such as teamwork and strategic thinking.
The community recently celebrated these academic achievements with a parade, highlighting the collective pride in the school’s progress. Bolden remarked, “This was such a major accomplishment.”
Beyond his role at Nims, Dr. Bolden has now elevated to the Director of Secondary Schools of the Leon County School district where he supervisees school leaders for all middle and high schools. His dual roles allow him to impact education at multiple levels, preparing future educators while directly influencing middle school students.
Dr. Bolden’s leadership and dedication have not only elevated Nims Middle School’s academic standing but have also instilled a renewed sense of pride and optimism within the Southside Tallahassee community. ∎
DR. BENNY BOLDEN
Anne Spencer Daves
Florida State University recently bestowed a significant honor upon one of its distinguished alumnae, Anne Spencer Daves, by renaming its College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences to the Anne Spencer Daves College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences.
The Pearl Tyner House, itself a symbol of FSU’s rich history and legacy of philanthropy, provided the perfect backdrop for this momentous occasion as Daves met with Dean Damon Andrew, President Richard McCullough, First Lady Jai Vartikar, Assistant Dean Kevin Derryberry and Vice President for Advancement Marla Vickers. The renaming not only recognizes Daves’s extensive philanthropic support but also celebrates her long and impactful career as an educator.
Anne Spencer Daves’s connection to FSU runs deep, woven into the fabric of her personal and professional life. As an alumna of the university and a dedicated elementary school teacher for 30 years in Florida, Daves embodies the very essence of the college she now lends her name to. Her journey, from student to respected educator and generous benefactor, is an inspiring narrative of dedication, service, and a profound belief in the power of education. This belief, deeply rooted in her personal experiences, has fueled her and her husband John’s nearly three decades of philanthropic engagement with FSU.
The driving force behind Daves’s remarkable generosity is a deeply personal one: honoring the memory of Anne’s father, Curtis Edward Spencer. Spencer, who was unable to complete his education due to family circumstances, instilled in his daughter a profound appreciation for the opportunities that education provides. This early influence shaped Anne’s life and ultimately inspired her and John to establish the Curtis Edward Spencer Endowed Scholarship in Elementary Education in 1997. This initial gift, a tribute to her father’s unfulfilled aspirations, marked the beginning of a long and fruitful partnership between the Daves and FSU.
Over the years, the Daves’s philanthropic endeavors have touched numerous facets of the university, leaving an indelible mark on its academic landscape. Their support extends beyond scholarships to encompass professorships, fellowships, and targeted programs designed to address specific needs within the college. The Anne and John Daves Professor in Education, currently held by Dr. Sherry Southerland, underscores their commitment to supporting faculty excellence and fostering innovative research.
Recognizing the competitive landscape of academia, the Daves established the Anne Spencer Daves Fellowships Fund to help the college attract and retain top doctoral students, ensuring a pipeline of future scholars and researchers.
The Daves’s commitment to FSU students extends to those who have served their country. The John W. Daves Veterans Support Fund provides crucial financial assistance to student veterans, acknowledging the unique challenges they face as they transition from military service to academic life. This fund addresses the gap between GI Bill benefits and the actual costs of living and education, ensuring that veterans have the resources they need to succeed. Furthermore, the John W. Daves Space Flight Simulators for the Astronaut Challenge at Florida High, FSU’s lab school, reflects their dedication to promoting STEM education and inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers.
Beyond the college that now bears her name, Anne and John Daves have generously supported other areas of FSU, demonstrating their broad vision for the university’s future. Their contributions to the FSU Marine Lab, including support for elementary school students to enjoy field trips. They have also supported the Marching Chiefs, the World War II Institute for the Human Experience, and the College of Law’s Veterans Legal Support Fund, reflecting their diverse philanthropic interests.
While the full college name, the Anne Spencer Daves College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences, honors both her father and her husband, the official nickname, “Anne’s College,” holds special significance. It recognizes Anne Spencer Daves not just as a benefactor, but as a teacher from FSU, a woman whose life and career embody the values and mission of the institution. This distinction underscores the personal connection she has to the college and celebrates her individual contributions to the field of education. The renaming of the college is more than just a symbolic gesture; it is a celebration of Anne Spencer Daves’s profound impact on FSU and a lasting legacy for generations to come. ∎
Portrait by Gregory Daniel, 2024
Exit Survey Responses
Program Faculty Members
To what extent do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements about the EDA faculty overall?
Overall Program
To what extent do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements about your overall program of study?
Preparedness
To what extent do you feel prepared in these areas of Student Achievement?
To what extent do you feel prepared in these areas of Instructional Leadership?
Plans after Graduation
DR. DENISE ALOMA
ElevatED Pathmaker Award
As educators, we understand the critical importance of quality clinical practice opportunities, coupled with a keen focus on meeting the specific needs of every student, in the development of strong, equity-minded future leaders. The Educational Leadership Pathmaker Award within our program, designed to recognize the exceptional mentorship and coaching provided by school leaders
Dr. Denise Aloma, principal of St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, has been named a recipient of the FSU College of Education Educator Path-Maker Award in recognition of her outstanding leadership and mentorship of aspiring school leaders in Florida State University’s Online Educational Leadership M.S./Ed.S. certification program.
With a 50-year career in education, including 43 years at St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Dr. Aloma has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to student achievement, faculty development, and school innovation. She has been at the forefront of initiatives that foster teacher leadership, inclusivity, and academic excellence, leading the school to STEM accreditation, AP Capstone Diploma status, and its third National Blue Ribbon School designation in 2022.
A visionary leader, Dr. Aloma believes in empowering those around her. As one recommender shared, “She has built a collegial team of professionals and stakeholders that benefit not only the present, but also the future of St. Thomas Aquinas High School.” Another described her as “a force in educational leadership,” highlighting her ability to balance tradition with forward-thinking innovation.
Dr. Aloma holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University, a Master’s in Education from Nova Southeastern University, and a Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Windsor, Canada. She was also a 2022 recipient of the U.S. Department of Education’s Terrel H. Bell Award for Outstanding School Leadership, recognizing her transformative impact on students, faculty, and the broader school community.
Through her mentorship and leadership, Dr. Aloma continues to shape the next generation of school leaders, leaving an enduring impact on Catholic education and beyond. ∎
Jakari Wilcoxson, a Spring 2024 graduate of Florida State University’s Educational Leadership program, exemplifies what it means to be a passionate and transformative leader in education. With a career rooted in advocacy for students with disabilities, Jakari has quickly ascended to the role of assistant principal at Gretchen Everhart School in Leon County, a position he embraces with dedication and vision.
Born and raised in Quincy, Florida, Jakari’s commitment to education began early in his community. His work as an Exceptional Student Education (ESE) teacher laid the foundation for his belief in the power of inclusion and equity to create meaningful opportunities for all students. As a teacher, Jakari earned numerous accolades, including multiple Teacher of the Year awards and other recognitions for his contributions to the profession.
Now, as an administrator, Jakari continues to champion innovative strategies to support students with disabilities while fostering a collaborative and nurturing school culture. Guided by the transformative experiences and knowledge gained through FSU’s Educational Leadership program, Jakari is driven to create lasting impacts in the lives of students, families, and educators. His story is one of passion, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference.
Why did you choose your program?
As an educator, I wanted to broaden my knowledge and gain a deeper understanding of the various components that make up the educational landscape. My ultimate goal was to find effective ways to expand my advocacy for students with disabilities, who are frequently marginalized and overlooked. During my search to find suitable programs, I came across FSU’s program which stood out for its proximity and outstanding reputation.
What are you currently doing now and how has your experience in the program helped you in your career and/or career goals?
Currently, I have the privilege of serving and supporting the vibrant community of students, dedicated faculty, and engaged families at Gretchen Everhart School as an assistant principal. My journey through the Educational Leadership program was transformative, offering me countless opportunities to deepen my understanding and enhance my skills. The program’s field experience requirements have not only allowed me to apply my learning in real-world settings but also instilled in me the confidence that comes from practical application, shaping me into a more effective and well-rounded leader.
Did our program prepare you for the FELE? If so, what aspects of the program were most helpful?
It did!! The Data-Driven School Improvement course significantly transformed my approach to analyzing educational data. It sharpened my ability to identify trends and patterns, enabling me to think critically about the decisions and actions that can enhance both student learning outcomes
and teacher effectiveness. Moreover, the course refined my communication skills, allowing me to more clearly articulate my thoughts, ideas, and the rationale behind my choices.
How have you been supported by the faculty?
Throughout my journey as a student in the program, I was fortunate to encounter a truly remarkable faculty. The professors not only imparted knowledge but also provided invaluable and meaningful feedback that shaped our learning experience. This feedback was not just about correcting mistakes but about guiding us towards our best potential. As an alum, I continue to benefit from their extraordinary mentorship, particularly from Dr. Small, Dr. Forehand, and Dr. Bolden. Each of them was dedicated to forging genuine relationships with us, going beyond the traditional studentteacher dynamic. These connections, coupled with their extensive professional expertise, enabled them to educate us effectively while simultaneously understanding the unique challenges and milestones of our individual educational and professional paths. Their intentional and thoughtful support has been instrumental in guiding us as we navigate our careers.
What are some of the program’s greatest strengths?
The program’s infrastructure is impressive. The cohort model, thoughtful instructional design, and content progression are all top-notch! However, the nurturing family atmosphere of the program is definitely its greatest strength. A deliberate emphasis is on cultivating meaningful relationships within each cohort, allowing students to connect. Alums actively engage in enriching conversations with current students, sharing insights and experiences that bridge generations. Additionally, the program creates a strong sense of community and belonging that enhances the overall experience.
What advice about the field might you offer to current students?
Embrace the lifelong learning journey as the educational landscape continually evolves and diversifies. Cultivate and cherish the relationships you forge throughout the program and your career, as these connections will enrich your experience and provide invaluable support along your path. ∎
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
Jakari Wilcoxson
