OCPS's Alumni Spotlight

Several OCPS Alumni Lead the 9^th Largest School District in the Nation

Dr. Barbara Jenkins

Winter Park High School graduate Dr. Barbara Jenkins has been dedicated to serving the needs of students for 32 years. As a trailblazer, she was named the first female superintendent for Orange County Public Schools in 2012.

If Barbara had to select one mentor to highlight, it would be former superintendent Ronald Blocker. He was strategic in recruiting Dr. Jenkins to be his deputy superintendent and gave her lots of on-the-job experience. Although she is Blocker’s successor, Jenkins would create a name for herself. Under her leadership, the district won the prestigious 2014 Broad Prize for Urban Education and the Governor’s Sterling Award. Recognized for her commitment and influence, Orlando Sentinel and Orlando Magazine named her as one of the most powerful people in Orlando.

Dr. Jenkins’ advice to future leaders: do what you love, then put in the time and efforts to excel at it. For more information about Dr. Jenkins.

Dr. Bridget Williams
Chief of Staff 

Dr. Bridget Williams, was born in Orlando and is a “home grown” product of Orange County Public Schools. She attended Richmond Heights and Eccleston elementary schools, College Park Middle (Robert E. Lee Middle) and Edgewater High School. Dr. Williams has performed over the past 30 years a career of service and leadership to the children and families of the Orlando area. She was inducted into the Edgewater High School Foundation Hall of Fame and has received awards form the Council of Great City Schools, the Drum Major Award from Alpha Phi Alpha and the Educator of the Year Award from Junior Achievement. Early in her career she was an alternative education teacher, guidance counselor, dean, assistant principal, and district administrator. She also served as principal to Robinswood Middle School and Jones High School as well as Associate Superintendent, Area Superintendent of the West Learning Community and currently serves as the Chief of Staff. Dr. Jenkins has served as a mentor and has taught her that one needs to acknowledge what you don’t know, ask questions and do your homework because a great leader is a life-long learner. 

Dr. Williams is a proud alumna of Florida A&M University where she earned a bachelors and master’s degree.  In addition, she received a second master’s degree from the University of Central Florida and doctorate from Nova Southeastern University. For those that inspire to become leaders, her favorite inspirational quote is “Leaders become great not because of their power or position, but because of their ability to empower and help others around them grow. A boss has the title…a leader has the people”.

Dr. Kathryn Shuler
Chief Academic Officer

Dr. Kathryn Shuler has served Orange County Public Schools (OCPS), for 27 years in various roles as a teacher, administrative dean, assistant principal, associate superintendent and now Chief Academic Officer.  In this role, Kathryn supervises the Curriculum and Instruction department and leads a dynamic team of individuals, focusing on the learning environment by improving teacher quality, leadership capacity, parental involvement and community partnerships to close the achievement gap. Formerly, she worked for the Florida Department of Education for three years as a Regional Executive Director for the Bureau of School Improvement.  She attributes these educational opportunities to God, a dedicated family, a team of educators, excellent role models, numerous mentors and community support. 

As a proud OCPS alumna, she received a strong educational foundation from Hiawassee Elementary and Robinswood Junior High.  A tip that she would like to leave for future leaders is to never stop learning and don’t forget “all children” have “untapped potential” and can achieve at enormous heights where there is effective leadership and instruction.

Scott Howat
Chief Communication Officer

Scott Howat moved to Winter Park in 1985 when his father was transferred to Central Florida from Scottsdale, AZ. His parents found a home and he started attending Winter Park High School as a Junior. Scott had many teachers that influenced him throughout his high school career. Sam Romeo, his American Government teacher in 12th grade had a profound influence on his interest in U.S. Government.  Sam’s passion for government and the political process inspired him. Scott graduated in 1987. After four years of college, he returned to Orange County Public Schools as a classified employee in 1991 as a Program Coordinator at University High School. In 1992, Scott became a teacher and served in that role until 2002. He taught American Government and other subjects for more than 10 years.  Scott also had the privilege and pleasure of coaching baseball for more than 11 years.  During that time, Scott had some amazing mentors and teachers that helped to shape him as an educator and coach and maximize his ability to reach his students in a very positive way. In 2002, he was appointed an Assistant Principal at University. In 2006, Scott was appointed the Director of Legislative & Congressional Relations and now proudly serve as the Chief Communication Officer. 

Building and maintaining relationships is the key to success in any career and in life. Active listening and follow through is the other key to maintaining credibility and trust. Never quit and never give up. Scott is grateful for the experience that he had as a student at Winter Park High and proud of the amazing community of educators that he has had the privilege of serving with throughout his 28 year career.