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From Chicago’s South Side to Global Educational Leadership: Meet Dr. ClauDean Kizart, Director of Student Success Tidewater Community College
In celebration of Women's History Month, we are proud to feature ClauDean Kizart, Director of Student Success at Tidewater Community College and a distinguished leader with over 25 years of experience in K–12 and higher education.
Tell us about your journey.
My journey has been a blend of miracles, blessings, hard work, and .a deep-rooted commitment to improving educational outcomes and creating pathways for student success. I was born and raised on the South Side of Chicago, where I developed an early passion for community and education. As one of the few family members to attend college, I experienced firsthand the challenges of navigating higher education. These experiences became the foundation of my dissertation, The Challenges of Persisting First-Generation College Students, which continues to inform my work and has contributed to broader discussions, including studies by the Pell Institute.
My professional path began in K–12 education, where I served as a special education teacher, literacy coach, and middle school teacher. These roles revealed gaps in educational support and how larger structures impact student outcomes.. Later, as an Equity Trainer for the State of Missouri, I gained a deeper understanding that challenges in education affect students from all walks of life.. Over time, I transitioned into leadership roles focused on focused on student achievement and improving school systems.n.
On February 5, 2025, my first book, Beyond Implicit and Explicit Bias: Healing the Root Causes of Inequity in Education, was published through Solution Tree Press! In addition to becoming a first-time author, I serve as the Institutional Director of Student Success at Tidewater Community College. Here, I collaborate with dedicated faculty and staff while leveraging my 25 years of experience to develop data-driven strategies that enhance connection, remove barriers, and support student achievement.
At my core, I am a mother, a lover of life, and a firm believer in the transformational power of education. I advocate for an educational system where every student has a fair shot at success, regardless of their starting point.
What pivotal experiences shaped your current path?
One of the most defining moments in my journey was the birth of my little sister, Cosette. Before she was born, my dream was to work in corporate America—I had no desire to pursue education. But the day she arrived, something shifted in my heart. As my love for her grew, so did my passion for education. I wanted every child to have the guidance, support, and encouragement they needed to succeed—just as I wanted for her.
At 18, I left Chicago to attend college, but I was unprepared for the transition. I flunked out three times before completing my degree at Harris-Stowe State University, an HBCU in St. Louis, Missouri. Before attending Harris-Stowe, I struggled to feel seen, valued, or heard. There was no sense of belonging, no clear support system. But at Harris-Stowe, the faculty and staff actively invested in my success.
Due to my academic struggles, I was ineligible for financial aid, but the Director of Financial Aid found a way to support me. She offered me a work-study opportunity, allowing me to take classes during the day and work at night. That act of belief in me was life-changing. With their support, I not only graduated but did so Magna Cum Laude and delivered the keynote speech at our senior class ceremony. Standing there, with my family and my little sister in her white gloves, was one of the most defining moments of my life.
From there, I earned a Master’s in Educational Administration from Saint Louis University, a Reading Certificate from Fontbonne University, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Lindenwood University.Another pivotal experience was working in Perryville, Missouri, a small rural town. There, I learned that achievement gaps exist everywhere—not just in urban communities. the same challenges of limited funding, scarce resources, and uneven student support. This reinforced that while race plays a role in educational disparities, fairness is about ensuring that every student—regardless of race, geography, or background—has the support and resources needed to thrive..
What valuable lessons have you learned through your life and career?
I Am Not My Job.The passing of my dear colleague, Deira Benton, was a profound lesson. She was an incredible educator, yet when she passed away at 39 years old, the institution she dedicated herself to did not formally acknowledge her contributions. I realized then that our worth is not defined by our job titles. My work is important, but it is not the entirety of who I am. My career is a platform for service—not my identity.
Change Happens Bit by Bit. As an African proverb says, “Bit by bit is how we eat the elephant.” I’ve learned that systemic change is slow and incremental—but every small, consistent effort creates transformation over time.
Courage Is Acknowledging Fear and Moving Through It. Earlier in my career, I often second-guessed my expertise. But I have learned that discomfort is often a sign that change is knocking at the door. Courage is not the absence of fear—it is feeling fear and stepping forward anyway.
I Cannot Pour from an Empty Cup. For years, I believed that the more I did, the greater my impact. But I have learned that burnout helps no one. To be effective, I must prioritize rest, balance, and self-care. My ability to serve others is only as strong as my commitment to taking care of myself.
Plugging IN Matters Just as Much as Plugging OUT. Through Transcendental Meditation, I have learned that silence is not emptiness—it is power.
Some of my greatest clarity, creativity, and strength come through meditation. Meditation enhances my ability to love, recharges me, reconnects me with my purpose, and reminds me to trust the unfolding life.
What drives your desire to contribute and make a difference?
My mother, Creola Kizart-Hampton, taught me that “love is an action word.” At my core, my work is fueled by love—for community, for life, and for the belief that we are all connected in the journey toward progress.The phrase “Love is the light, forward the motion” resonates deeply because love is not just an emotion— it is a force, an action, a guiding light. It is what pushes me to advocate for the overlooked, challenge unjust systems, and build a future where access, opportunity, and success are not privileges, but guarantees.
I also believe in interdependence and collective responsibility. As one of my favorite prayers says: “Oh my friends, we all owe to each other.” None of us move forward alone. We are often part of each other’s personal destiny.
If you could go back and advise your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self: “You are already whole—exactly as you are.”
Being born with an omphalocele and a cleft lip and palate meant I had to navigate a world that often prioritizes appearances over authenticity. But I now know that our differences are not flaws—they are the foundation of our strength, compassion, and purpose.
I would remind her that she doesn’t have to overextend herself to prove her worth. Boundaries are okay. Rest is okay. Self-care is okay. The things she sees as struggles now will one day become the very source of her power, which my Godmother Asabi Thomas-Mosly told me once…I didn’t get it
then, but I get it now.
How can GlobalMindED support leaders like you in achieving your goals?
GlobalMindED is uniquely positioned to uplift and connect leaders like me by amplifying our voices and fostering global collaboration. As a new author and an advocate for systemic change, I see GlobalMindED as a platform where my work, research, and lived experiences can drive meaningful change.
By providing speaking opportunities, mentorship networks, and policy influence, GlobalMindED can support leaders in shaping a future where all communities thrive.
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