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Drawing on lessons from her own success, McKnight impressed upon the students the importance of leading with purpose, developing confidence in who they are, and approaching their work with excellence. She also shared her bold vision for forming systems of educational opportunity that accelerate student learning and introduce innovation into public education.
Following her time with the students, McKnight and SC State Interim President Alexander Conyers sat down to talk about her time at the university, her work in preK-12 education, and opportunities to work together. The two discussed their shared interest in infusing new ways of doing business into their respective institutions, including through initiating nontraditional enrollment practices, exposing students to opportunities outside of their immediate comfort zones, and preparing students for jobs of the future. Based on their shared interests, McKnight and Conyers committed to forging a stronger alliance between MCPS and SC State.
The SC State College of Education, Humanities & Social Sciences presented McKnight with a plaque acknowledging the pride that the school takes in her recent appointment. The Beta Sigma Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. also provided special recognition.
After she graduated from SC State, McKnight began her teaching career in Newport News, Virginia, before moving to Montgomery County in 2001. McKnight has served as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, director of secondary leadership development, deputy superintendent, and interim superintendent of schools.
In recognition of her dynamic educational vision and formidable leadership at Ridgeview Middle School in Gaithersburg, Maryland, McKnight was honored as the 2015 Maryland Middle School Principal of the Year by the Maryland Association of Secondary School Principals and as the 2015 Maryland State Principal of the Year by the National Association of Secondary School Principals.
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Media Contact
Sam Watson
Public Information Officer
South Carolina State University
swatson2@scsu.edu
803-747-1223 (Cell)
About South Carolina State University
Founded in 1896 as a land grant institution with a mission of providing service to the citizens of the state, South Carolina State University has evolved from a small teachers’ college into a major University center of learning and research. Located in Orangeburg, S.C., South Carolina State offers more than 50 different fields of study on the undergraduate and graduate levels. South Carolina State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and is a member of the Council of Graduate Schools.
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