For the children she serves: A Columbia principal’s doctoral journey at SC State
Author: Sam Watson, Director of University Relations|Published: May 16, 2025|All News, Student News
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.
SC State awarded 11 Doctor of Education in educational leadership degrees on May 9,
including one posthumous recognition.
ORANGEBURG, S.C. – For Dr. Sharonda P. Giles, pursuing a doctorate in educational administration was
rooted in purpose—not prestige.
“I decided to get my doctoral degree to further my education,” said Giles, principal
of Brockman Elementary School in Columbia’s Richland County School District One. “To
help me meet the best needs of students that I serve at my school and just overall
serving students — just to make sure that we're meeting their diverse learning needs
and their diverse learning status.”
Giles was among the 11 individuals honored Thursday, May 8, during South Carolina
State University’s hooding ceremony for the Doctor of Education in Educational Administration
program. Held in the Barbara A. Vaughan Recital Hall in the university’s Fine Arts
Building, the ceremony recognized the hard work, research, and commitment of a group
of scholar-practitioners committed to educational excellence.
SC State awarded 10 doctoral degrees and one posthumous degree during its Spring Commencement
on May 9. The posthumous Ed.D. was presented to LaShonda M. Williams-Shaw, who was
nearing completion of her dissertation when she passed away after a long illness.
Her dissertation’s title was “An Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Resource Courses
in the Achievement Gap of High School African American Males in an Urban School.”
“LaShonda started out 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 other 2025 recipients of the Doctor of Education in Educational Administration
degree from SC State (with dissertation titles) were:
Monique Pemberton Capers
“The Impact of I-Ready Reading Versus I-Ready Reading with UFLI Instruction on Early
Literacy Development in Second Grade Students.”
Jalisa April Darien.
“The Effectiveness of Parental Involvement in Middle School Performance in South Carolina.”
Tyvallis Dawkins.
“Elementary Teachers’ Perceptions on Professional Development.”
Shanise Armstrong Funny.
“An Examination of the Mathematic Achievement in Middle School Students in Relationship
to Selected School Factors.”
Lakeisha F. Lawrence.
“Risk Factors That Impact High School Dropouts in South Carolina High Schools.”
Shalah Shebonique Sweeney.
“The Impact of Reading Recovery on the Academic Achievement of First-Grade Students”
Chesney Thomas.
“The Impact of Classroom Strategies on Elementary School Performance.”
Henry L. Williams.
“Factors That Are Affected by the Expenditures of Title I High Schools in South Carolina.”
Melanie Williams.
“Career and Technical Education (CTE) Educators’ and Secondary General Education Teachers’
Perceptions of Student Enrollment in CTE.”
