Growing up in southern New Jersey, Cherisse Campbell, EdD, found her gateway to opportunities through the supportive environment of her school. It was not her community or her parents' network that opened doors for her, but her teachers' and mentors' dedication and belief in her ambitious future.
In 9th grade, Campbell’s English teacher recognized her potential and introduced her to the transformative power of literature. Her 10th grade chemistry teacher recommended her for a summer science program at Rutgers University, marking her first step onto a college campus. The support didn’t end there; her softball coach took the extra effort to drive her to competitive summer league tournaments, accommodating her parents' demanding work schedules. Furthermore, her high school assistant principal provided glowing college recommendations, earning her full academic scholarship offers from every college that she applied to.
Her collegiate academic journey began with a dual degree program and a scholarship from NASA, the resources necessary for Campbell’s success once she received a Chemistry degree from Spelman College and a Chemical Engineering degree from Georgia Tech. Following her undergraduate program, Campbell would go on to earn another four degrees from the University of Delaware, Kennesaw State, and Vanderbilt. These achievements seemed unimaginable to her younger self, but they were made possible by the opportunities created for her by dedicated school professionals. Her time at Spelman College and within the Atlanta University Center (AUC) played a crucial role in shaping her career ambitions. Growing up in a working-class family, she was taught to be modest and reserved. However, Spelman taught her to stand tall, spread her wings, and occupy spaces where she hadn’t been invited yet. She drew inspiration from meeting trailblazers who had paved the way for young Black women like herself, empowering her to thrive and contribute positively to the world.
Her journey didn’t stop with her own education. Driven by a passion to replicate the support she received, she aspired to become a school administrator, hoping to create the same nurturing environment for other students. Despite her success as an engineer at one of the world's largest chemical companies, she remained deeply connected to education through tutoring, speaking at career days, and conducting science experiments in schools.
One day, she realized that her impact could be even greater. Determined to make a more significant difference, she left her engineering job to pursue a full-time master’s program in Secondary Education Curriculum and Instruction, aiming to become a high school chemistry teacher. Her love for teaching was evident, but she yearned for an even broader impact. This drive led her to roles as a Department Chair, Assistant Principal, Principal, and eventually, a Zone Superintendent in Fulton County Schools.
Balancing the administrative demands of her role with the need to stay connected to students, teachers, and parents is a daily commitment. She prioritizes these connections, dedicating her days to engaging with the school community, while administrative tasks are handled in the evenings and early mornings. Her commute time is often spent catching up on phone calls, ensuring no aspect of her responsibilities is neglected.
As a Zone Superintendent, her core values of teamwork, integrity, and accountability guide her decisions and policies. She works closely with school leaders, community members, and district officials to ensure all students have access to high-quality education, regardless of their background or circumstances. The Covid-19 pandemic highlighted many inequities within schools and their communities, prompting her to lead Fulton County School's innovative Mobile Learning initiative. This program converted school buses into state-of-the-art mobile classrooms, bringing high-quality STEM activities directly to neighborhoods and community festivals, bridging gaps and eliminating barriers for families.
Engaging with parents and the wider community is essential to her role. While formal methods like surveys and focus groups are used, she values informal interactions at schools and events, where she can truly understand and amplify the voices of the communities she serves. Building strong relationships with teachers and staff is rooted in consistency and honor, forming the foundation of trust necessary to lead through challenges.
Handling feedback and criticism is part of the job she embraces daily. She understands the importance of being open to feedback to develop strong solutions and continually improve. Her message to the community is clear: ensuring students attend school consistently is crucial. No matter how excellent the programs are, they can only make a difference if students are present to experience them.
One of her proudest accomplishments during her tenure is seeing schools not only recover from the pandemic but exceed their pre-pandemic achievement levels. While there is still work to be done, witnessing the hard work paying off is a testament to the resilience and dedication of the entire school community. This journey from student to superintendent is a powerful reminder of the impact that caring educators and unwavering dedication can have on students' lives.