College of Education News

Dr. Usamah Muhammad-Rodgers: A Trailblazer in Educational Leadership

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Dr. Usamah Muhammad-Rodgers is a distinguished educational leader whose career has been marked by innovation, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to student success. Hailing from Kansas City, she started her academic journey at Missouri State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education in 1993. As a student, she was actively involved in Alpha Kappa Alpha, served as the Woods House dorm president, and was a recipient of the Minority Leadership Scholarship. These early experiences shaped her dedication to educational opportunity and leadership.

Teaching and Administrative Career

Her professional career began in elementary education, where she quickly demonstrated her aptitude for leadership. She fondly recalls her time as a second-grade teacher, where she discovered the joy of shaping young minds and fostering a love of learning in her students. Those years in the classroom remain some of her most cherished memories, as they reinforced her passion for making a tangible difference in students’ lives. Dr. Muhammad-Rodgers continued her education, earning a Master’s in Education Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Texas at Austin. Her trajectory in administration saw her excel at multiple levels, from elementary to high school, and across different educational settings, including public, charter, and private institutions.

During her tenure at the Dallas Independent School District, Dr. Muhammad-Rodgers played a pivotal role in transforming struggling schools. She served as the founding principal for Cedar Hill Collegiate High School, describing the experience as “lightning in a bottle,” due to the unique environment of a small school within a school.

“We just had a group of rockstar teachers, amazing parents, determined kids,” she recalls, highlighting the teamwork and dedication that fueled the school’s success.

As an executive director overseeing a high school feeder pattern, she led a remarkable turnaround: from six schools designated as “improvement required” to a system with no failing schools and 23 academic distinctions awarded by the Texas Education Agency. Her leadership was instrumental in implementing the Pathways to Technology and Early College High School (P-TECH) program, expanding it to 18 schools. This initiative has enabled thousands of students to graduate with both a high school diploma and an associate degree, opening doors to future academic and career opportunities.

In 2022, Dr. Muhammad-Rodgers was appointed as the superintendent of the DeSoto Independent School District, becoming its first female leader. Her arrival marked a turning point for a district that had faced years of financial instability and high leadership turnover. Inheriting a system that had cycled through seven superintendents and eight CFOs in less than a decade, she focused on stabilizing the district, rebuilding public trust, and ensuring financial accountability. Under her guidance, DeSoto ISD has moved beyond survival mode and is now actively engaged in reimagining its future.

Academic, Arts, and Athletics Vision

Dr. Muhammad-Rodgers has championed a holistic “AAA” educational experience that emphasizes academics, arts, and athletics. Recognizing the district’s historical strength in athletics—with multiple state championships in football, basketball, and track—she has worked diligently to elevate its academic reputation as well. She envisions a district that serves as the premier choice for families by fostering innovation in STEM education, operational cybersecurity, and healthcare pathways, ensuring students graduate prepared for success in a competitive job market.

Beyond her administrative roles, she has demonstrated a commitment to the arts, both in education and personally. She has actively promoted fine arts programming within DeSoto ISD, including innovative student showcases such as a glow-in-the-dark museum exhibit. Her passion for the arts extends to her own performances, as demonstrated by her surprise monologue of Sojourner Truth’s “Ain’t I a Woman” during a district event.

Recognition and Looking Ahead

Her leadership has been widely recognized, earning accolades such as Teacher of the Year in 1998, Principal of the Year in 2009, the Texas Black Legislative Caucus Outstanding Black Texan award in 2023 and the Missouri State University’s Bear of Excellence Award in 2024. She was also named Best K-12 Education Leader in both 2020 and 2022 and has received commendations from organizations like the NAACP and the University of Texas at Austin.

Dr. Muhammad-Rodgers has remained steadfast in her vision. She attributes her perseverance to a strong foundation in education, her faith, and the relationships she has built over her 25-year career in the Dallas metroplex. Looking ahead, Dr. Muhammad-Rodgers is determined to position DeSoto ISD as a leader in educational excellence. She is spearheading a demographic study and facilities assessment to modernize infrastructure and create innovative learning environments. Her ultimate goal is to establish DeSoto ISD as a district of choice, fostering an ecosystem where students thrive academically, artistically, and athletically.

Legacy and Impact

Dr. Usamah Muhammad-Rodgers’ journey from classroom teacher to superintendent is a testament to her visionary leadership, strategic thinking, and deep-rooted commitment to education. As she continues to break barriers and shape the future of DeSoto ISD, her impact will undoubtedly be felt for generations to come.

She also believes in the philosophy of “bloom where you’re planted,” emphasizing that success comes from working hard where you are, making the most of opportunities, and continuously growing in your career. This mindset, she believes, is key not only to personal and professional success but also to fostering an environment where both students and staff are empowered to reach their fullest potential, no matter their starting point.

Her unwavering dedication to education, leadership, and community empowerment serves as an inspiration to future educators and administrators alike. Addressing future educators at MSU, she offers these words of wisdom:

“We are the profession that makes professionals, so don’t take the nobility of being a teacher for granted. Always show up as your best self and give your students your absolute best, because their future depends on it.”

Dr. Muhammad-Rodgers is not just redefining the role of a superintendent; she is shaping the future of public education.

An effort to make ‘Every Student Known’

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To say that Missouri State University alumna Dr. Adrienne Battle is an accomplished educator is an understatement. 

She has won many awards, and her leadership of Nashville Public Schools as superintendent has led the district to gain national recognition.  

She notes her journey to success began at Missouri State University as a student-athlete and in its College of Education.  

“It has been more than 20 years since I graduated, but I still carry MSU with me every day,” Battle said. “I still use the lessons from my teacher education program in my role leading a district of more than 11,000 employees and 81,000 students.”   

She graduated from MSU in 2003 with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. She earned a professional teaching licensure for grades K-8.  

Experience and success 

A Nashville native, Battle chose MSU for its faculty and reputation, and for the opportunity to compete as a Division I track and field athlete.  

“I knew it was a prestigious university with a track record of preparing leaders in education and other fields and providing state-of-the-art facilities for growth and learning,” she said. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without MSU and the care that so many people poured into me there.” 

Battle served as an educator and administrator in Nashville for 16 years before becoming superintendent:  

  • Math teacher/reading and language arts teacher: Dalewood Middle School, 2003-06 
  • Assistant principal: Glencliff High School, 2010-11 
  • Academic principal: Glencliff High School, 2011-12 
  • Executive principal: Antioch High School, 2012-16  
  • Executive lead principal, priority schools and elementary schools, 2017 
  • Community superintendent overseeing schools in the southeast quadrant, 2017-19 

Her success as an educator led her to receive five prestigious awards and acknowledgements in 2025 alone: 

  • Midsouth Emmy Award, Documentary-Cultural, for “Every Student Known: The Creation of an Anthem” 
  • Save the Music Foundation Administrator Award for Distinguished Support of Music Education 
  • Women Who Rock Nashville Phenomenal Woman Award 
  • Nashville Business Journal Women of Influence – Top Executive category 
  • Nashville Post Education In Charge list 

Not only has Battle succeeded individually, but her entire school district has, too.  

Metro Nashville Public Schools ranked in the top 10 in both math growth and reading growth from 2022-23 and again from 2023-24. This accomplishment was recognized nationally in the Education Recovery Scorecard by researchers from Harvard University and Stanford University. 

Leadership strategies 

For Battle, leadership is the ability to delegate.  

“Real leadership isn’t about doing everything,” she said. “It’s about empowering others to step up and contribute. When I started delegating with trust, not only did my workload become more manageable, but my team also grew in confidence and skill.” 

Regarding her policies, the school district has implemented a student-oriented slogan: “Every Student Known.”

“Every Student Known” is our mission and mantra,” she said. “We work every day to know not just each student’s name, but also their strengths, talents and aspirations. We want to know what makes them tick so we can set them up for success in college, career and life.” 

As Battle reflects on her journey, she shares three pieces of advice she would give to her past self: 

“Walk into every room as if you belong there – because you do.”  

“No one succeeds alone. The African proverb says, ‘If you want to go fast, go alone, but if you want to go far, go together.’”  

“True success is measured not by how high you climb but by how many you bring with you.” 

She expressed her gratitude for students pursuing a career in the education field.  

“Public schools need you, and you can have a tremendous impact on students if you’re passionate, dedicated and innovative,” Battle said. “Thank you for choosing education.” 

Explore elementary education

How to better care for children in crisis

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From traumatic injuries to natural disasters to violent incidents and more, first responders respond to hundreds of emergency events involving children every day.  

“Over nine million children in the United States receive emergency medical care for unintentional injuries annually,” said Dr. Lindsey Murphy, assistant professor of child life studies at Missouri State University.  

She conducted a research project to examine how first responders perceive and manage children’s reactions during emergencies. 

The goal was to dig deeper into first responders’ experiences with children during emergencies and their roles in meeting children’s psychosocial needs, as well as identify gaps in services to support these needs.  

With help from her colleague Dr. Elizabeth King, associate professor of child and family development, the article titled “The Lived Experiences of First Responders During Emergency Events Involving Children: Child Reactions, First Responder Roles, and Additional Needs” was published in The Journal of Child Life in December 2024. 

“The role of a first responder is sustaining life and supporting safety,” Murphy said. “The first responders I interviewed mentioned how helpful support would be, since they can’t always prioritize the patient and child’s needs.” 

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School principal fosters success through community

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The Springfield region of the Missouri Association of Elementary School Principals (MAESP) recently selected Springfield Public Schools (SPS) Principal Angie Carder of Wanda Gray Elementary as Distinguished Principal. 

A Missouri State University alumna, Carder is one of 11 principals nominated for this award in the state of Missouri. MAESP chose Carder for her collaboration with colleagues, mentorship and hands-on approach to administration. 

“It was really nice to be honored by my colleagues and highlighted as a leader,” she said. 

The path to Wanda Gray 

Carder completed her undergraduate studies at Evangel University in 1993. She began her teaching career as a fifth-grade teacher at Doling Elementary in the same year (closed in the early 2000s).  

When Carder was a new teacher, a principal encouraged her to pursue a career in administration.  

“I had a principal who said I was a natural influencer and a positive change in mindset in our school,” she said. “I loved the classroom, but I realized administration might be an opportunity I could explore down the road.” 

In 2004, she became a third grade teacher at McBride Elementary School. That same year, she gained her master’s degree in educational administration from MSU.  In 2004, she earned her specialist degree in educational administration from MSU. She then became an assistant principal at Wanda Gray and Disney Elementary School in 2006. 

“I enjoyed my graduate work at MSU and felt like the programs prepared me well as an elementary administrator,” she said. “We learned about many real-life scenarios that a principal might encounter and talked through ideas.” 

Three years later, she became principal at Wanda Gray. 

“It was a natural, smooth transition to principal,” Carder said. “We have a very strong culture and climate in our building. We also have a very supportive community.”  

Carder has continued to support Missouri State as principal. She has been a key leader in building a strong partnership between Wanda Gray and Missouri State University’s Internship Academy (IA), a yearlong, immersive co-teaching program that prepares future educators through hands-on experience.  

Thanks to her support, IA interns at Wanda Gray are fully integrated into the school community through daily planning, instruction and collaboration. Her dedication to creating a welcoming and supportive environment ensures that both interns and students benefit from the program. 

A hands-on approach 

SPS announced the award, noting Carder’s connection with her team. 

“She seeks opportunities to serve beyond her own school by mentoring others,” SPS Board of Education stated.  “She builds strong, trusting relationships within her school, the district and the community.” 

Carder’s strength as a principal is her hands-on approach to leadership and activity in her school. She is a mentor principal to a new principal every year and she serves on many committees in her school. 

She also participates in a professional learning community that meets weekly to plan, analyze student data and discuss student interventions.  

Carder’s strategy for administration is being active. 

“I try to be very visible in our school, in the classrooms and hallways,” she said. “I like to be accessible to students and teachers. I enjoy giving positive input and effective feedback.” 

She added it is important to work with teachers in a hands-on way and recognize the impact of their work. 

Carder wants to encourage students who are considering an education career. 

“I wish I could somehow spread the word that this is such a positive, important career,” she said. “As an educator, you impact a student’s future, character and self-esteem. It’s been so rewarding to make a difference in people’s lives, and I’m thankful I’ve had the opportunity.” 

On March 3, MAESP will announce the Missouri winner of the national Distinguished Principal Award. Carder is in the running for the award. 

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A move from downtown Springfield to campus

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In December 2024, 56 College of Education (COE) faculty and staff who had been working in the Park Central Office Building downtown moved to Hill Hall on the Missouri State University campus.  

The COE is now centered in three key buildings: Hill Hall, the Child Development Center and Greenwood Laboratory School. 

COE Dean Dr. Barri Tinkler has expressed her excitement at the recent move. 

“It’s amazing to have more of our faculty and staff together in Hill Hall,” she said. “Given the 100-year history of this building and its ties to teacher education, it feels very meaningful to have everyone together in this building.” 

Welcome back

The move from downtown brought key programs back to Hill Hall.  

Agency for Teaching, Leading and Learning 

The headquarters for the Agency for Teaching, Leading and Learning (ATLL) moved into room 312 along with its director, Dr. Chuck Garner. Thirty-two ATLL staff members are now in offices on the fourth floor. 

Room 402 has been converted to an ATLL workshop room. Teachers will be able to attend professional development training in this room. 

Project Access 

The headquarters for Project Access includes the director Joan Armstrong, the administrative team and information technology support specialist. This office is now room 317. Other staff members of the Project Access team can be found on the fourth floor.  

Room 447 will soon be converted from a computer lab to a Project Access workshop room. Teachers will be able to attend training in this room. 

Location of schools 

The COE’s two schools also moved. 

School of Special Education, Leadership and Professional Studies 

The School of Special Education, Leadership and Professional Studies’ (SELPS) main office is now on the third floor in room 318. The school director, Dr. Kayla Robinson, and her administrative team are also in that room. Other SELPS faculty and staff can be found on the third and fourth floors. 

SELPS is home to these programs: 

School of Teaching, Learning and Developmental Sciences 

The School of Teaching, Learning and Developmental Sciences’ (TDLS) main office is now on the third floor in room 319. The school director, Dr. Minor Baker, and his administrative team are also in that room. Other TLDS faculty and staff can be found on the third and fourth floors. 

TLDS is home to these programs:  

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