Most Intriguing People
Dr. Kelvin Adams
The Man Who Creates Great Options
Dr. Kelvin Adams is the man who has inspired many dreams and is an accomplished leader who has turned those dreams into realities. He is the second oldest of six children, raised in an impoverished area of New Orleans. However, his limited means did not prevent him from becoming the man we see today. Dr. Adams was named after his uncle, and now he has marked a positive connotation in the history of his family name.
Dr. Adams is best-known for his seven successful years as the superintendent for the
Saint Louis
Public School District and still has more years to come.
PRODUCED BY: JULISSA CASTILLO
When Dr. Adams was a child, people did not discuss the possibility of higher education. He was one of the few who took a chance and left home to attend college. In 1978, he received his B.A. in Elementary Education and Special Education from Northeast Louisiana University. He later earned his M.A. in Elementary Education from Xavier University. However, these two degrees did not end his educational journey. In 2005, he was granted his PhD in Educational Leadership in Administration. Before he accepted his current role as a superintendent, Dr. Adams held positions as: Chief of Staff, Associate Dean/Interim Dean, Charter School Liaison, Middle School Principal, High School Principal, and Executive Director of Middle Schools. Dr. Adams is best-known for his seven successful years as the superintendent for the Saint Louis Public School District and still has more years to come. Dr. Adams is responsible for multiple operations in the district. He oversees more than 25,000 students between grade levels Pre K- 12th, assists over 4,000 employees, and manages a budget in excess of $300 Million. Due to his hard work and efforts, the district’s high school graduation rates are increasing, state test scores are rising, and attendance rates are improving. Adams learned that self-discipline is needed to accomplish maximum results, and there is a time for quitting. Due to his perseverance and dedication, the district’s accreditation status improved from Unaccredited in 2008 to Provisionally Accredited in 2012. In fact, .the St. Louis Public School District earned enough accreditation points in 2015 to qualify for Full Accreditation for the first time since 2000. Despite a very busy work schedule, Dr. Adams sets aside time to be active in his church. He is also a Big Brother volunteer and spends quality time with his two great kids. Dr. Adams gives credit to his grandfather for his motivation and drive. His grandfather gave him the fabric, and now it is Dr. Adams’ turn to continue sewing together the fabric of success. “To whom much is given, much is required,” explained Dr. Adams. This is how servant leadership becomes vital for his purpose and goal in life. Like his grandfather, he wants to serve people and build better connections, as he finds it impossible to give up his commitment to children. By going the extra mile, Dr. Adams feels this is his way of strengthening his bond with the children in the St. Louis Public Schools. In the new chapter of his life, Dr. Adams is currently learning Spanish, and plans to become closer to his community by being able to eliminate language barriers. The following is a favorite quote and effective motto of Dr. Kelvin Adams. “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” -Dr. Martin Luther King
Who’s Who Diversity in Color | 55