Announcing the 2026-2027 Charger Institute Participants

Oxford, Mississippi — We are thrilled to announce the members of the 2026-2027 cohort for the Charger Institute for Leadership Development! The Charger Institute, a signature program within the Oxford School District, is designed to identify, develop, and retain employees with exceptional leadership potential.

We had approximately 30 applicants for this year’s cohort, stated Dr. McConnell, and we are excited about the representation from various schools/departments this year. Though we are extremely pleased with the program during the first two years, Dr. Taylor and I continue to look for ways to enhance the experience of Charger Institute participants. Participants in our first two cohorts are leading from where they are, and many of them have been promoted to positions of leadership within the district. We look forward to continuing to grow leaders who positively impact their departments/schools.

This highly selective, annual program will provide participants with the tools, training, and experiences necessary to grow as leaders within our district. We are proud of the cohort members and excited to see the impact they will make on the future of our school district.

One of the things we’ve learned through the first two years of the Charger Institute is that leadership exists throughout a school district, said Dr. Taylor, often in places and people we might overlook if we only think about leadership in terms of titles. The Charger Institute is an intentional investment in the entire organization - bringing together employees from across the district, helping them see beyond their individual roles, and building relationships with others who care deeply about making the Oxford School District better. As we begin year three, we’re excited to see what this group will contribute to Oxford’s growing network of leaders.