From left, Dr. Russell Dyer, Dr. Linda Cash, Dr. Candice McQueen and Dr. Bill Estes
Dr. Candice McQueen, the Tennessee State Commissioner for Education, presented “Tennessee Succeeds: An Update on Tennessee’s Progress” at a Celebration seminar. She was one of 35 seminar speakers who spoke during Lee University’s Celebration 2016.
Along with the students and other guests, local city officials Cleveland City Director of Schools Dr. Russell Dyer and Bradley County Director of Schools Dr. Linda Cash were in attendance.
Dr. McQueen presented updates on the five priority areas of Tennessee Succeeds, the department’s comprehensive strategic plan, and shared how the Every Student Succeeds Act will contribute to this goal. She also shared her vision of “seeing districts and schools in Tennessee exemplify excellence and equity so that all students will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to successfully embark on their chosen path for life.”
Dr. McQueen’s presentation focused on the progress Tennessee has made since she was given the position of commissioner. She talked about her plans to increase the average ACT score of Tennessee students, her goal for reading comprehension to be achieved by 3rd grade, and her desire for a majority of high school graduates to go on to post-secondary education.
“Dr. McQueen’s vision for the future of education in Tennessee is exactly what our teacher education candidates need to hear,” said Dr. Bill Estes, dean of Lee’s Helen DeVos College of Education. “It was a treat for us to host her, and we were all challenged by her presentation.”
Dr. McQueen previously served as the dean of Lipscomb’s College of Education before her appointment to commissioner. She began her career teaching in public and private elementary and middle schools. She earned her doctorate degree from the University of Texas, her master’s degree from Vanderbilt University, and her bachelor’s degree from Lipscomb University.
As commissioner Dr. McQueen oversees all of the work of the Department of Education.
Celebration 2016 was an event that commemorated the completion of the “Find Us Faithful” campaign at Lee University, including the dedication of its new School of Nursing Building.