Dr. Angela Hairston is a native of Southside, Virginia and received her secondary education from the Pittsylvania School System.  She received a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics and Business Management from Averett College and began her career in education in the Halifax County and Virginia Beach School systems, before returning to Danville to teach mathematics at George Washington High School.  Dr. Hairston later served as the first principal of Westwood Middle School.

Dr. Hairston continued her education by earning a Master’s Degree in Secondary School Administration from Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia, and a Doctorate Degree in Educational Leadership from Virginia Tech University, in Blacksburg, Virginia. 

Dr. Hairston continued her career in the state of Georgia serving as director of human resources, a principal, and an assistant principal for the Gwinnett County Public Schools (Georgia’s largest school district), as a region superintendent and principal for the DeKalb County School District (Georgia’s third largest school district) and as a superintendent in the Augusta/Richmond County, Georgia and North Carolina.

In 2018, Dr. Hairston was selected to participate in the prestigious and nationally recognized Broad Superintendents Academy.

Dr. Hairston’s goal is to focus energy on creating classrooms that are engaging centers of learning for ALL children, where highly effective and caring teachers hold high expectations based on understanding each student’s strengths.  She believes as we strive for academic excellence, we must ensure that we support our students’ social, emotional, and mental growth in order to facilitate the development of those skills and abilities necessary to navigate school and life.  Student success in every classroom requires a student-centered approach to leadership in an inclusive school and classroom environment that inspires student learning and celebrates students’ accomplishments.

Dr. Hairston believes that a school cannot live apart from the community.  Her investment in parent and community engagement spans decades.  The belief that “All” children can learn at high levels given the right support is her message to parents and the community.  Success is not optional for our children; success is a must!

In addition to dedicating much of her life as a professional educator, Dr. Hairston enjoys spending time with her husband, Lt. Colonel Ronald Hairston, their children, and grandson.

Dr. Hairston lives by a famous quote from Dr. Robert Anthony, “Forget about all the reasons why something may not work.  You only need to find one good reason why it will.”