As an organizational leader reputed for change creation, Dr. Shawn Foster has a compelling story. Born into poverty and raised in the projects by a single mother, Dr. Foster never balked at his disadvantages; he searched for advantages. As a collegiate athlete, when he joined his team, they had just suffered through a one-win season. As team captain, he led his football team to a championship. Dr. Foster saw opportunity where others saw nine losses. As a first-generation college graduate, he joined the educational ranks, earned three advanced degrees, and became a Superintendent. Then, Stage IV cancer struck. As a husband with two small children, he fought the battle of his life and won. His experiences have shaped his unique leadership perspective. Dr. Foster leads fearlessly from the cutting edge.

More importantly, Shawn Foster is a man dedicated to inspiring leaders to become their aspirational selves, to reflect on the outside what they dream on the inside. His passion for leadership development has pushed him as a husband and father, a friend and confidant, and a man who will bet on your success.

As the Superintendent of Orangeburg County School District (OCSD), he has committed to advancing academic excellence, equity, and innovation in K-12 education. Under Dr. Foster’s leadership, OCSD has significantly transformed instructional practices and student opportunities. 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, 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.

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 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.

Dr. Foster is also a member of the Advisory Board for MUSC Hospital Orangeburg, where he strengthens partnerships between education and healthcare institutions. He is a Riley Institute Diversity Fellow, underscoring his commitment to inclusive educational environments. As a Racial Equity Leadership Network (RELN) Fellow through the Southern Education Foundation, he engages in high-impact initiatives to address systemic disparities in education.

 Recently, Dr. Foster has been recognized as the 2025 3A/2A/1A Superintendent of the Year by the South Carolina Athletic Administrators Association (SCAAA).