Keri Randolph, director of innovation for Hamilton County Schools, is one of 24 people across the country selected to participate in a prestigious Harvard Graduate School of Education Doctorate of Education Leadership 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," Randolph said in a statement.
Randolph will be leaving the district in July to participate in the three year program, and will spend the first two years studying full-time on Harvard's main campus in Cambridge, Mass. The third year Randolph will spend in a residency selected in collaboration with program faculty.
Hamilton County Schools Interim Superintendent Kirk Kelly said he had mixed emotions about Randolph's announcement.
"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," Kelly said in a statement. "My hope is she makes the most of her three years away, but then is ready to come back home to Hamilton County."
Randolph said she's eager to participate in the program, but considers Hamilton County home.
"And it will be hard to leave -- even for a short time -- especially with the important work ahead," she said.
Randolph with be joined in the program with students from a dozen states with backgrounds in business, education, non-profits and the public sector. The program intends to prepare graduates for system-level leadership positions.
Randolph started working for Hamilton County Schools in 2015 under former Superintendent Rick Smith. Before taking that position, Randolph worked at the Public Education Foundation.
As the Director of Innovation for Hamilton County Schools, Randolph has been involved in a wide-variety of projects supporting teachers and student success. Teachers across the district speak highly of the work Randolph has done to elevate teacher voice within the school system.