SPSD Superintendent

Superintendent Dr. Donna Scott

Dr. Donna Scott is a native of Hattiesburg, Mississippi.  She is a graduate of Pearl River Community College, with an associate’s degree in Office Administration; a graduate of William Carey University, with a master’s degree in Educational Leadership; a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, where she received her bachelor’s degree in Business Education and her doctorate in Educational Research and Administration with an emphasis in Adult Education.  Her dissertation topic was “African American Women: The Role of Education, Spirituality, and Resilience in their Transition from Poverty.”

Educationally, Dr. Scott thrives on the motto, “If You Believe You Can, You Can!” She instilled this belief in her students and teachers over the course of her 22-year career, insomuch that she was able to move two schools from their failing status to successful ones within two years. As a result, Dr. Scott has received numerous awards: The Gold Ribbon Award presented by the Mississippi Department of Education, PREPS Added Value Award, two-time Administrator of the Year from the Hattiesburg Public School District, the Panhellenic Education Award, and the MS Association of Colleges for Teacher Education Outstanding Administrator Award, just to name a few. 

Dr. Scott has presented on both State and National levels, including the Mississippi Association for School Superintendents (MASS) and the American Association for Adult and Continuing Education. She currently serves on the Advisory Board for the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) and William Carey University in the College of Education for aspiring teachers.  She has served as a facilitator for the National Institute for School Leaders (NISL) where she trained Principals, Assistant Principals, and District Level Leaders; and she currently serves as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Southern Mississippi. Dr. Scott appreciates her foundation as a Middle School Accelerated English teacher, a High School Advanced Placement English teacher, an Assistant Principal, and Principal. 

More than anything, she loves and acknowledges the Lord daily, she cherishes her loving husband Howard, their children: Terrance, Trey, and Triniti, and their grandson Tyler.