The NEXT School appoints new Chief Executive Officer

July 12, 2021

The NEXT School, a public charter high school with campuses in Greenville, SC (NEXT High School) and Salem, SC (NEXT School Eagle Ridge), announces that its board of directors has appointed Dr. Stephanie N. Brown as Chief Executive Officer.

Dr. Brown brings a wealth of knowledge, unparalleled commitment to success, and over a decade of educational leadership, specifically as it pertains to charter schools. She received her Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from University of North Texas and is known for inspiring and cultivating outstanding teachers, promoting creative learning and encouraging out-of-the-box thinking. NEXT is confident that she will be an invaluable asset to their program as she strives to create impactful educational experiences in the lives of both students and staff members. With a commitment to exceeding expectations as a leader, she is dedicated to developing and facilitating growth in herself and others, thus leading to continuous improvement and exceptional performance through an unyielding “student first” vision.

“In our constant pursuit of, and dedication to, a student-focused and innovative approach to education, we have been working tirelessly to recruit the best talent to add to our team of experts,” remarks Cate Tyson, The NEXT School Chairperson. She continues, “We have every confidence that Dr. Brown will prove to be an invaluable leader as we recalibrate, band together and continue pushing forward to new heights.”

As an educator, Dr. Brown is constantly asking herself, “Is this what is best for our students?” Such serves as the basis for every decision she will make as CEO. When coupled with open lines of communication defined by honest and transparent dialogue, a sense of trust will rapidly emerge and reinforce a strong partnership with the students and families of NEXT.

In regards to her installment as CEO, Dr. Brown says, “I am honored and humbled to join such a distinguished group of educators and I welcome the opportunity to learn from these campus and classroom leaders.”

Her energy and approach are the exact leadership qualities that NEXT needs to continue in their unwavering commitment to providing one-of-a-kind educational opportunities to students in the Upstate. “I look forward to advancing an already exceptional and inclusive educational program with a focus on new partnerships that will expand learning opportunities for children within our schools. This will yield a stronger educational program for students and translate into preparedness for continued success as future members of society,” says Dr. Brown.

NEXT’s board of directors is thrilled for the exciting opportunities and advancements that will come as they enter a new chapter and continue their upward trajectory with great momentum and thoughtful due diligence under Dr. Brown’s leadership.

More About The NEXT School

The NEXT School is a public high school preparing young people for life after school: college, career, and beyond. Their program uses Project-Based Learning (PBL) methods and curriculum in a flexible, creative, and engaging environment. NEXT focuses on engaging students in the real world, now – through rigorous coursework, leadership development, public speaking, internships, community partnerships, community service, and student-driven project work.

Being a small, flexible school with two campuses offers many advantages to their students, including low student-to-teacher ratios, a safe space for all students to flourish, and a secure, closed campus. Students don’t get lost the way they might in a large, more traditional school – instead, as students progress through their graduation requirements, they create experiences that will build their futures.

Click here to learn more about The NEXT School’s Greenville, SC campus.

Click here to learn more about The NEXT School’s Salem, SC campus.