Our 2020–21 Honorees
South Carolina Educator Hall of Fame Inductees:
Dr. Chester Floyd, Dr. John Hudgens, and Dr. Charlie Williams (posthumous)
Distinguished South Carolina Public School Graduates:
Kitty Black Perkins, Darius Rucker, and Kim Wilkerson
The South Carolina Foundation for Educational Leadership, South Carolina Association of School Administrators’ (SCASA) non-profit arm, hosted its fourth annual gala on Friday, April 23, 2021, to celebrate the 2020–21 South Carolina Educator Hall of Fame inductees and the Distinguished South Carolina Public School Graduates who have excelled nationally and internationally in their respective fields.
The “South Carolina Foundation for Educational Leadership Gala: Finding Your Dream” was held as a celebration of the impact of public education and how it has contributed to the achievements of the six honorees.
2020–21 South Carolina Educator Hall of Fame Inductees
Dr. Chester Floyd
A graduate of Olanta High School (Florence District 3) in 1961, Dr. Floyd has 38 years of experience as district superintendent for Florence District 5, Lexington District 1, Berkeley County Schools, and Lexington District 3. He has been recognized nationally by the American Association of School Administrators with the 2010 Distinguished Service Award.
Dr. John Hudgens
A graduate of Lynchburg High School (Lee County) in 1956, Dr. Hudgens served over 35 years in public education as a teacher, principal, superintendent, and interim president of Midlands Technical College. He has been recognized nationally by the American Association of School Administrators with the Distinguished Service Award.
Dr. Charlie Williams (posthumous)
A graduate of Great Falls High School (Chester County Schools) in 1945, Dr. Williams was a lifelong educator and was elected SC Superintendent of Education three times. As SC Superintendent from 1979-1991, Dr. Williams was integral in the crafting and subsequent passing of the Education Improvement Act (EIA) in 1984 to provide additional funding for educational initiatives in South Carolina.
2020–21 Distinguished South Carolina Public School Graduates
Kitty Black Perkins
A graduate of Carver High School (Spartanburg County) in 1967, Ms. Perkins served as Chief Designer of Fashions and Doll Concepts for Mattel’s Barbie line for over 25 years. She earned Mattel’s President’s Award in 1985, Mattel’s Chairman Award in 1987, and the DOTY (Doll of the Year) Award in 1990.
Darius Rucker
A graduate of Middleton High School (Charleston County Schools) in 1984, Mr. Rucker is a GRAMMY Award-winning musician. In addition to his success as lead singer for Hootie & the Blowfish, as a solo artist, he has earned four No. 1 albums on the Billboard Country chart and nine No. 1 singles.
Kim Wilkerson
A graduate of Airport High School (Lexington District Two) in 1976, Ms. Wilkerson serves as South Carolina president for Bank of America and South Carolina Market Executive for Bank of America Private Bank. She is the first female successor member of the Clemson University Board of Trustees and the 2018 South Carolina Chamber of Commerce Business Leader of the Year.