FALL 2020


RISING THROUGH THE EDUCATION RANKS


As a Winthrop student, Sutton was embraced by a strong support system. Keith Benson, the former College of Business Administration graduate program director and healthcare management professor, saw potential in Sutton early on. Winthrop basketball legend Pierre Wooten ’02, 05 instantly became his best friend during freshman Orientation.


our students to teach online, to explore how new technologies can be used, and to become bold innovators in the teaching-learning process,” Rakestraw said.


Sutton believes instruction will become more personalized and mastery-based, where students will focus on individual learning pathways. Equally important, Rakestraw added, is equipping teachers — via teacher preparation programs — to help students manage emotional and social stressors exacerbated by the pandemic.


For Sutton, who taught high school and has been a principal in Clover and Goose Creek, serving students and helping people have always been his motivation. It’s a valuable quality he learned during his upbringing that was further developed as a student at Winthrop.


Antwon Sutton ’02, ’04 worked his way up through the education ranks to become a top administrator, but he had no idea he would be starting his first year as superintendent of Chester County School District navigating a pandemic and its impact on K-12 education and students.


In the midst of it all, he has had to redefine the role of school superintendent amid the unpredictability of the pandemic and concerns from parents and families.


“The superintendent of today must be visible, accessible and knowledgeable at all times. Emotions are high when it comes to children, and the stakes are high when it comes to public education,” Sutton said.


“I know there’s so much more work to be done.”


Jennie Rakestraw, dean of the Richard W. Riley College of Education, agreed that there is a long road ahead to tackle the challenges that students, teachers and school staff are facing because of COVID-19. The “new normal” will involve much more use of online learning and various technologies, she said.


“Now that teachers are becoming more adept at teaching online and stretching themselves professionally to be even more flexible and creative, schools and the teachers may not fully go back to their ‘old normal.’ As we prepare teachers in the years ahead, we need to enhance how we prepare


“I am always striving to be a source of strength and support to others,” said Sutton, who drove public school buses during his time at Winthrop to help pay for his tuition. But he was more than a bus driver, he was a mentor and supporter to the children who boarded his bus each day.


“Winthrop was a university that had the best interest of its students at heart. The education I received at Winthrop aided in preparing me for my role as a school superintendent. The opportunities to pursue my career aspirations were readily available at Winthrop,” said Sutton, who earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a Master of Arts in Teaching.


“He was a strong man of faith and someone always willing to support and help when he could. We were like brothers back then and we still are now. He’s been a prayer warrior for me as I’ve accomplished milestones in my life,” Sutton said of Wooten.


One of his biggest influences was Anthony White, former director of transportation for Rock Hill Schools, who became an important mentor and father-figure for Sutton while he was away from his parents. White, who passed away in 2012, was his biggest supporter and provided words of wisdom Sutton still cherishes.


Sutton wants to channel those who mentored him along the way and be a similar source of inspiration to others, all while connecting with families and putting children first.


Pictured and above photo: Sutton greeted students on the first day of school.


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