The Zucker Family School of Education recognizes Ms. Anita Huggins for her outstanding accomplishments as an alum of The Citadel who’s professional and career accomplishments exemplify the ideals of the education profession. Anita has had a positive impact on countless students and communities. Her most recent work experience is serving as the current Superintendent of Charleston County School District.
CCSD Superintendent of Schools Anita Huggins has served the Charleston County School District for nearly three decades. A beloved educator whose relentless commitment and deep sense of service have been instrumental to CCSD’s children, Huggins’ passion for closing the achievement gap for students of color has been demonstrated through her planning of district-wide literacy and math educational opportunities that serve all.
As Deputy Superintendent, Huggins was charged with designing, executing, and measuring the success of programs that support Vision 2027 which aspires to have all students reading at grade level by fifth grade by the Spring of 2027. She was also a key architect of the work that led CCSD to its highest-ever SC Ready achievement scores. Prior to her service as Deputy, Huggins was responsible for working with the Superintendent, senior leaders, and other stakeholders to establish the District’s vision and develop strategies to meet the needs of all students as the Interim Chief Transformation Officer. Huggins has ensured the use of effective systems coupled with accountability and support structures to serve schools, students, and communities.
Huggins’s professional accomplishments are numerous. She has served as a Riley Institute Diversity Leaders Initiative fellow, English teacher, master teacher, principal, director, and executive director. She has served in various CCSD schools and communities during her tenure. As the Executive Director of Educator Effectiveness for over 12 years, Huggins impacted classrooms throughout CCSD by training thousands of teachers and administrators; she focused on planning for instruction effectively, instructional delivery, and developing conducive environments for learners. In that role, Huggins was instrumental in creating district-wide systems for teacher development, support, and recognition while leading a team that designed and executed An Evening with Stars gala event to recognize teachers and principals. Proceeds from that event supported the Charleston Educator Symposium, a locally-recognized, multi-day professional development event for educators.
Huggins holds degrees in English/Secondary Education from Coastal Carolina University as well as a master’s in administration from The Citadel.