Dr. Shawn D. Foster is a distinguished educational leader and author of the inspirational leadership memoir; Knee Deep: Dying to Lead. With over two decades of experience in school and district transformation. Dr. Foster serves as the Superintendent of Orangeburg County School District (OCSD), where he is committed to advancing academic excellence, equity, and innovation in K-12 education. His extensive career spans multiple leadership roles, including service as a school counselor, assistant principal, principal, Director, and Deputy Superintendent/Chief Officer of Operations and Student Services.

Under Dr. Foster's leadership, OCSD has undergone a significant transformation in instructional practices and student opportunities. He has championed strategic initiatives to improve educational outcomes, ensuring that all students receive a rigorous and high-quality learning experience. Notably, he led efforts to secure a $190 million bond referendum, supplemented by an additional $40 million investment, and donation of 90 acres to facilitate the construction of new schools and the modernization of educational infrastructure. His visionary leadership and systemic reforms have positioned OCSD at the forefront of educational innovation.

A testament to his commitment to pioneering educational advancements, Orangeburg County School District has been recognized as a member of the League of Innovative Schools under Dr. Foster's leadership. This prestigious national network, composed of forward-thinking school districts, is dedicated to leveraging technology, research, and best practices to drive meaningful improvements in teaching and learning. Through this distinction, OCSD collaborates with leading educators, policymakers, and researchers to implement cutting-edge strategies that enhance student success.

Dr. Foster's influence extends beyond OCSD through his active participation in numerous professional organizations and advisory boards that shape educational policy and practice at the state and national levels. He serves on the Executive Committee of the South Carolina Superintendents' Roundtable, where he collaborates with state leaders to drive systemic improvements in public education. As a member of the South Carolina High School League (SCHSL) Executive Committee, he plays a pivotal role in shaping policies related to interscholastic athletics and extracurricular programs. Additionally, he serves on the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching (NIET) Advisory Board, contributing to national conversations on educator effectiveness and instructional leadership.

Further demonstrating his dedication to educational equity and institutional advancement, Dr. Foster is a member of the Advisory Board for MUSC Hospital Orangeburg, where he works to strengthen partnerships between education and healthcare to support student well-being. He is also a Riley Institute Diversity Fellow, a distinction that underscores his

commitment to fostering inclusive educational environments. Currently, he is a Racial Equity Leadership Network (RELN) Fellow through the Southern Education Foundation, engaging in high-impact initiatives aimed at addressing systemic disparities in education.

Foster's exemplary contributions to the field of education have earned him numerous accolades, the latest being his recognition as the 2025 3A/2A/1A Superintendent of the Year by the South Carolina Athletic Administrators Association (SCAAA) and most notably the South Carolina Association for School Administrators 2026 South Carolina State Superintendent of the Year. These prestigious honors reflect his unwavering support and impact on public education.

 As a devoted husband and father, Dr. Foster remains steadfast in his mission to positively shape the lives of students and to elevate the educational landscape of Orangeburg County and beyond.