OSD Recognizes Participants in Charger Institute for Leadership Development
Camille White, Communications Specialist
Members of the Charger Institute for Leadership Development cohort are pictured with OSD Chief of Staff Dr. Germain McConnell, Superintendent Bradley Roberson, and Dr. Hunter Taylor of the University of Mississippi School of Education. Not pictured are Narita Edwards and Marcia Bibbs-Blake.
Oxford, Mississippi — Oxford School District recently celebrated the second cohort of the Charger Institute for Leadership Development. The Charger Institute is a district-wide initiative designed to support and develop employees who demonstrate leadership potential and a desire to grow professionally.
Launched in the 2024-2025 school year under the direction of Oxford School District Chief of Staff Dr. Germain McConnell and Dr. Hunter Taylor of the University of Mississippi’s School of Education, the Charger Institute reflects the district’s commitment to investing in its employees and developing leadership from within.
Through collaboration, discussion, and professional learning, participants gain insight into leadership, ways to grow within their roles, and carry those lessons into their work each day. This year’s cohort represented a variety of roles from across the district, including teachers, counselors, instructional coaches, student services staff, and district leaders.
The 2025-2026 cohort included Kinetta Blackmon, Marcia Bibbs-Blake, Jill Caples, Narita Edwards, Hardie Meeks, Beth Parker, Daniel Parrish, Tyler Reed, Erin Siskey, Tammy Trim, Dr. Valarie Buford, and Brittany Venson.
Throughout this program, cohort members engaged in collaborative learning exercises focused on problem-solving, communication, decision-making, and leadership development. The program encouraged participants to reflect on how they can lead and positively impact others within their designated schools and departments each day. As part of the program’s completion, each cohort member shared presentations highlighting what they learned throughout the program, how they plan to apply those lessons in their current environment, and their goals for continued professional growth.
Please join us in congratulating this year’s participants in the Charger Institute for Leadership Development. Oxford School District is proud of the time, effort, and dedication these employees invested throughout the program as they continue making a positive impact on our students, families, and community.
Applications will be available soon for those interested in participating in next year’s cohort.
- OSD
Members of the Charger Institute cohort shared presentations with fellow participants during the program’s end-of-year ceremony.
Members of the Charger Institute cohort shared presentations with fellow participants during the program’s end-of-year ceremony.
Members of the Charger Institute for Leadership Development cohort are pictured with OSD Chief of Staff Dr. Germain McConnell, Superintendent Bradley Roberson, and Dr. Hunter Taylor of the University of Mississippi School of Education. Not pictured are Narita Edwards and Marcia Bibbs-Blake.