Keri Randolph
Hamilton County Department of Education Director of Innovation, Keri Randolph, has accepted a position in the prestigious Harvard Graduate School of Education Doctorate of Education Leadership (Ed.L.D.) program.
Ms. Randolph will join just 24 other selectees from across the country in the program. “I am both humbled and excited about the opportunity to work with some of the nation's best minds in education, public policy and business,” she said.
The director of Innovation will spend three years with the best and brightest as she attends courses at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, Harvard Business School, and Kennedy School of Public Policy.
The first and second years of the Ed.L.D. program are full-time on Harvard’s main campus in Cambridge, Mass. while the third year is a residency selected in collaboration with program faculty.
HCDE Interim Superintendent Dr. Kirk Kelly accepted Ms. Randolph’s news with mixed emotions. “While I am thrilled for the opportunity presented to Ms. Randolph, I know what an invaluable member of my leadership team she has been during her time as Innovation Director,” Dr. Kelly said. “My hope is she makes the most of her three years away, but then is ready to come back home to Hamilton County.”
Ms. Randolph echoed that sentiment. “Though I'm eager to learn and grow as a leader, Hamilton County is home, and it will be hard to leave- even for a short time- especially with the important work ahead,” she said.
Ms. Randolph will join students from a dozen states with backgrounds in business, education, non-profits and the public sector.
As the entrepreneurs, nonprofit directors, principals, teachers, and policy researchers progress through the program together, they will become uniquely prepared for system-level leadership positions.
Ms. Randolph will head to the hallowed halls of Harvard in early July.