College of Education News

MSU Alum Orlondo Williams Named Principal of Cardinal Ritter College Prep

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The College of Education proudly celebrates Orlondo Williams, a proud alumnus of Missouri State University, who has been selected as the next Principal of Cardinal Ritter College Prep, beginning in the 2025–2026 school year.

Following a competitive interview process, Williams was chosen for his strong leadership, deep commitment to student success, and his passion for fostering a school culture built on faith, excellence, and community.

“I thank God for the opportunity to serve as your principal for the 2025–2026 school year,” Williams shared in his address to the student body. “I step into this role filled with deep gratitude, humility, and a lot of Cardinal Ritter Pride. The mission of Cardinal Ritter runs deep in my veins and I am CRCP through and through. To my scholars, I have one promise: to make every decision with your best interests at the center of my heart.”

A leader shaped by education and service

For Williams, this milestone is more than a professional step; it’s personal.

“Being named Principal of Cardinal Ritter College Prep is deeply personal,” he said. “I’m a proud alumnus of this institution, and stepping into this role feels like coming full circle. Professionally, it’s an opportunity to lead a community that poured so much into me and to ensure that our scholars continue to thrive academically, spiritually, and socially. It’s both a privilege and a responsibility I carry with pride.”

Williams’s journey to school leadership reflects years of dedication to education, mentorship, and faith-based service. A proud graduate of Missouri State University’s College of Education, he credits his time at MSU with laying the foundation for the kind of leader he has become.

“My time at Missouri State laid the foundation for who I am as an educator,” Williams explained. “Earning my bachelor’s degree in education there prepared me not just to teach, but to truly reach students. The professors in the College of Education modeled what it means to lead with purpose and passion. Although I earned my master’s degree at Saint Louis University, that experience built upon and perfectly complemented everything I gained at Missouri State. Together, both experiences shaped my approach to leadership and my commitment to educational excellence.”

At Cardinal Ritter, Williams plans to build upon his strong record of supporting student growth, fostering equity, and empowering teachers to reach their highest potential.

“A great school leader leads with vision, empathy, and consistency,” he said. “I strive to be visible and present — in classrooms, hallways, and conversations with students and teachers. Leadership isn’t about titles; it’s about impact. Every decision I make is guided by what’s best for scholars.”

Building the next generation of leaders

Williams is stepping into his new role with clear goals in mind.

“My top priorities are centered on academic excellence, character development, and community connection,” he said. “I want to strengthen our college-preparatory culture, expand opportunities for student leadership, and make sure our scholars leave here confident, compassionate, and prepared to excel beyond our walls.”

His approach reflects the same values he hopes to instill in his students.

“I want them to leave knowing that excellence is who they are,” Williams said. “I hope they understand the power of discipline, faith, and community, and that they see themselves as the next generation of leaders ready to transform the world.”

A proud Bear leading with purpose

Williams’s success highlights the lasting influence of Missouri State’s College of Education alumni in shaping future generations of learners and leaders. His story reflects the university’s public affairs mission; emphasizing ethical leadership, community engagement, and cultural competence.

When asked what advice he’d offer to future educators and aspiring school leaders, Williams said:

“Lead with integrity and heart. Stay grounded in your ‘why,’ especially when the work gets hard. And never forget that education is about people — the relationships you build will always matter more than the policies you enforce.”

Williams added, “Thank you again for thinking of me for this story. I’m proud to represent Missouri State and the College of Education in this new chapter.”

Congratulations, Mr. Orlondo Williams, on this well-deserved achievement. Your leadership and heart for education continue to make Missouri State proud.

Leading the way in lifelong learning

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By day, Missouri State University alumna Lexi Messenger is a library media specialist, guiding fifth and sixth graders through the world of books at Reed Springs Intermediate School. Two nights a week, she attends classes, pursuing her own studies as part of the university’s inaugural Doctor of Education in Leadership, Learning and Educational Change cohort.

“I have to push myself to go to class after a long day at work, but I always leave knowing it was worth it,” Messenger said. “I love the people and the content.”

The value of face-to-face learning

What drew Messenger to this doctoral program was its in-person aspect.

“There are so many programs online, but I really enjoy the connection and collaboration with both peers and instructors that happen in person,” she said.

With only 13 people in her cohort, she values the opportunities to connect with everyone not only academically, but also professionally and personally.

“I look forward to see what doors this program will open for me,” she said.

Finding her career path

Messenger first came to Missouri State as an undergraduate student in 2013. She earned her bachelor’s degree in secondary education and teaching in May 2018.

Although she started out as a speech pathology major, her interests soon shifted to teaching.

“Every time I could take a literature class, I did. While the negative stigma around teaching initially kept me away, those classes reminded me of what I always wanted to be as a kid — a teacher,” she said.

As a student, Messenger was involved in Alpha Sigma Alpha, where she served on the executive board. She was also part of the Panhellenic Association, which is the governing body for the eight National Panhellenic Conference sororities, one multicultural sorority and one local sorority at Missouri State.

“I was always trying to be involved in some capacity,” she said.

Since her graduation, she has gone on to obtain her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Western Governors University in May 2023. She also has two graduate certificates from Missouri State: Online Teaching and Learning and Library Media Specialist.

“There are so many roles in the school system that require special certification. Earning my certificates wasn’t just a logistical step — it was something I wanted, because they allow me to advance outside of the classroom,” Messenger said.

Educating young minds

Lexi Messenger reads to a student.
Lexi Messenger reads to a student.

She has been in her current role since last year. Her favorite part about it is getting to work with both students and staff members.

“I love that I get to dive into literacy and help kids learn to love reading,” she said.

Her other jobs have included seventh and eighth grade English teacher at Reeds Springs and sixth grade English Language Arts instructor and English Language Arts teacher at Ozark School District and Marionville School District, respectively.

“Deciding to lean into what I love and wanted to pursue has been so rewarding for me,” Messenger said.

Encouragement for education students

If she could share one piece of advice, it would be for aspiring teachers not to be discouraged by the negative perceptions surrounding the profession.

“Teaching is hard, and people will have a lot of different opinions about it,” she said. But if you’re passionate, those opinions don’t matter.”

Learn more about the College of Education

Outreach program sets up new teacher for success

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A recent graduate of the Missouri State University Outreach Off-Campus Programs (Neosho), Raegan Snider is finishing up her first year as a second-grade teacher in the Neosho School District.  

Her time in the program prepared her for success in her current role. 

“Many factors influenced my decision to choose the MSU Outreach program. One of them was the location, and my familiarity with Crowder College’s campus,” said Snider, who is from Lockwood, Missouri. “Without the program, I feel like my path would’ve gone a completely different direction.”  

A smooth transition 

Missouri State Outreach Programs allow students to earn their associate’s degree at a local college then transfer to MSU and complete the rest of their bachelor’s degree in elementary education at the partnering college’s campus. Students take a variety of classes that include seated, Zoom and online modalities.  They receive the same quality education MSU is known for close to home without having to move to Springfield.  

There are a total of 10 partner campuses across three MSU Outreach regions in southern Missouri. The Outreach SW Region is headquartered in Neosho and includes three other locations in Cassville, Nevada and Webb City. 

Snider started attending Crowder College in summer 2020 for an Associate of Arts in Teaching, then seamlessly transferred to MSU through the Neosho program. She gained her bachelor’s degree in elementary education in May 2024.   

“Since graduating, I’ve been fortunate to accept my dream position as a second-grade teacher,” Snider said. 

She taught her first year at George Washington Carver Elementary, which was also her student teaching placement.  

“A major highlight of my journey has been the opportunity to teach at the same school and grade level team where I completed my student teaching. This has made the adjustment so much easier,” Snider said. 

Key benefits 

Regional Outreach Administrator Jill Stephens notes students enjoy the community aspect of the outreach programs. 

“They’re in a cohort with the same students the whole time they’re here,” she said. “They form relationships and connections with people that they keep throughout their career. It’s one of the things they liked the most about our programs.” 

She adds MSU Outreach provides a sense of community lacking in other online universities. 

“I think students like Reagan, and teachers in general, are just very people oriented. They need that close connection. That’s one of the things we offer that 100% online programs can’t.” 

While students enjoy the close-knit environment, being part of a bigger campus community is also a plus.  

“I think our biggest draw for students is they’re 100% Missouri State students out here, even though they’re not on the main campus,” Stephens said. “They get a Missouri State ID, they’re in the system, they’re graded the same and they get all the perks of being a student.” 

In addition, students experience the same coursework and rigor of a main campus program. 

“Our instructors all have a master’s or doctorate degree, and they teach the same curriculum as the main campus in Springfield,” Stephens said. 

Honored to teach 

As Snider completes her first year of teaching, she is grateful for her students.  

“My first class will always be special to me. Watching my students grow, both academically and personally, has been amazing,” she said. 

She also acknowledges the role the MSU Outreach program played in her own success.  

“I truly credit the program for preparing me so well. The coursework, guidance from professors, and hands-on experience in real classrooms gave me the skills and confidence I needed to succeed.” 

Learn more about Missouri State Outreach

COE alumna named 2025 Bear of Distinction

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Both a Missouri State University College of Education alumna and the current Missouri commissioner of education, Dr. Karla Eslinger has dedicated more than 30 years to educational success.  

For her accomplishments and contributions, the Missouri State University Alumni Association honored her with the 2025 Bears of Distinction Alumni Award for Excellence in Public Affairs. She joined other award recipients at the April 26 Bears of Distinction Dinner and Awards Banquet. 

Commitment to education and Missouri  

Although her recognition extends beyond the state, Eslinger has devoted her educational and political career to Missouri. She gained her bachelor’s degree from College of the Ozarks in elementary education.  

Before receiving her master’s degree, she served as an elementary school teacher for 10 years. She considers her time as a teacher to be a unique one. 

“I’ve been blessed to have so many great opportunities throughout my career,” she said. “But that first day I walked in and had 30-some first and second graders in my own classroom, and thought ‘Now I’m going to teach,’ was a pretty special moment.” 

She gained her master’s degree in educational administration (1992) and a specialist in education, educational administration-superintendent (1999) from Missouri State. She then gained her doctorate in educational leadership and policy analysis from University of Missouri-Columbia (2010).  

She has worked as a principal and superintendent in Ava and West Plains.  

Since her time as a student and educator, Eslinger has held a variety of positions. One of her roles included providing technical assistance to the U.S. Department of Education in Washington, D.C. She worked with school districts in Boston, Houston and Los Angeles.  

Eslinger was also an elected official twice. From 2019-21, she represented District 155 in the Missouri House of Representatives. She also represented District 33 in the Missouri Senate from 2021-24. 

She was eligible for a second term in the Senate but turned it down to become the Missouri commissioner of education for the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. She felt she could make a greater difference in this position. 

“There comes a point in your life where you say, ‘Where can I truly have the biggest impact? Where can I really do the most good for the profession I love, for the state I love?’ And it looked to me like there was an opportunity here.” 

Earlier this year, Eslinger was named one of the USA Today 2025 Women of the Year alongside 60 others across the country inspiring the next generation.   

She and her husband David have lived on their family farm in Wasola for many years and have run a small business for over 35 years. 

Learn more about the educational administration graduate program

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.