Christopher Small, Ph.D. – an FSU alumnus (Master of Public Administration ’06 and Ph.D. in Educational Administration and Policy ’12) – was recently appointed as Executive Director of Florida State University Schools (FSUS).
Dr. Small has served as interim director of FSUS since June 2024.
“The Board of Directors unanimously chose Dr. Small due to his impressive history of school administration and excellent record improving K-12 programs. He demonstrates exceptional servant leadership and vision, which we have seen firsthand since his appointment as interim director,” said FSU Anne Spencer Daves College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences Dean and Superintendent Damon Andrew. “Clearly, Dr. Small strived to do far more than maintain the status quo while we searched for a new director, and his impact can already be felt in FSUS classrooms and administrative efficiency.”
When asked about how FSU has impacted his career, Dr. Small said, “My time at FSU has proven to be rewarding and pivotal in my continued growth as a research practitioner. My degrees have equipped me with critical skills that are important for program growth and evaluation within the field of K-12 education as well as leadership development for school leaders within graduate education programs. I hope to continue to bring vision and commitment to the educational arena to improve student outcomes for our generations of tomorrow.”
Before he began his doctoral work in Educational Administration and Policy at FSU, Dr. Small earned his master’s degree from the Askew School, earning his MPA in ’06. While at FSU, he was a member of the Tallahassee Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
During his Ph.D. program, he was nominated by the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies and recognized by the University Council of Educational Administration as a Barbara Jackson Research Scholar. This opportunity allowed Dr. Small to connect with a network of research scholars across the world that still play a critical role in his continued growth.
Before beginning his job as the interim director for FSUS, Dr. Small worked as the Director of the Online Educational Leadership and Administration Program at Florida State University starting in Fall 2020. Under his leadership, the program has advanced in rankings by US News and World Report and continues to be a leader across the state in first attempt pass rates for the Florida Educational Leadership Exam.
He was also recognized by the College of Education with the 2023 Graduate Teaching Award and Imogene Mixson Leadership Award. Dr. Small was also selected as the recipient of the 2024 Florida State University Martin Luther King Jr. Distinguished Service Award for his dedication to the university and the surrounding community.
When asked about what advice he would give to current FSU students. Dr. Small said, “I would encourage students to continue to remember their ‘why’ and to build relationships along the way. Your credentials and accolades may get you through the door, but it is your character and ability to work with others that will keep you there.”
For more information about FSU’s MPA program, visit https://cosspp.fsu.edu/askew/future-students/mpa-admissions, and for more about the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, visit annescollege.fsu.edu/academics/department-educational-leadership-policy-studies.