LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

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Timothy Hopkins

Position: Deputy Superintendent
School: Kershaw County School District
School District: Kershaw County School District
City, State: Camden, SC

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Timothy Hopkins was nominated by Veronica Adamson, a member of the community.

In June 2022, Mr. Hopkins was one of four school leaders from across the state to have been selected by the South Carolina Association of School Administrators (SCASA) as 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award winners. SCASA chose Mr. Hopkins and three others to receive this award for their contributions to education in South Carolina. These leaders have dedicated their lives to educating South Carolina's children, serving their communities, and providing an example for those who aspire to lead.

Mr. Hopkins began his career as an admissions counselor in higher education 38 years ago. Upon completing his bachelor's degree, he worked for Winthrop College recruiting new students throughout the southeastern United States. Mr. Hopkins later transitioned to the public education system as a guidance counselor and later as an assistant administrator in Richland School District Two. He then worked as an assistant principal in York School District Three (Rock Hill) before moving to the Kershaw County School District to serve as an elementary principal. After Mr. Hopkins arrived in Kershaw, he held several district leadership positions—providing instrumental support as federal programs director, executive director of instruction, and his current role of deputy superintendent. 

In these roles, Mr. Hopkins managed million-dollar budgets, developed a solid knowledge base of state and federal regulations, and used his outstanding organizational skills to balance multiple job responsibilities. His expertise and experiences working with students of all ages proved invaluable to the school district as they served the educational needs of families. During his time in the district, he made a positive impact by increasing the number of three- and four-year-old classrooms to expand the district's early childhood development programs. He provided services to English Language Learners and implemented and supervised the district's school choice program. Under his supervision, three middle schools were named "Schools to Watch," and three district schools were named Palmetto's Finest Schools. 

Mr. Hopkins is active in the community by serving in leadership roles for numerous boards and committees, including vice president of the South Carolina Association of School Counselors and president of the South Carolina Association of Title 1 Administrators. He has been an active member of SCASA for many years and participates in the Grant and Federal Programs, Personnel, and Instructional Leaders' Roundtables. Mr. Hopkins has also returned to where he began his educational career as a Winthrop University Board of Trustees member.

The Lifetime Achievement Award selection committee uses the following criteria to choose the award recipients:

  • evidence of outstanding leadership as an educational administrator,
  • a record of service and leadership as a member of SCASA and its affiliates,
  • community service not directly related to the education profession, and
  • service to the profession above and beyond typical job responsibilities. 

"Mr. Hopkins' years of service distinguish him for recognition and nomination as a LifeChanger of the Year," said Adamson.

Comments (3)

Teresa Ross Posted over a year ago

There is not enough room to write all the positive impacts this man has made to education. He has done every job with the utmost professionalism possible. There are so many people in our community who feel the same about Dr. Hopkins. Please give him your utmost consideration!

Cheryl Stover Posted over a year ago

Congratulations! You deserve every honor for the awesome work you do for students and families across the state!

Destyni Tucker Posted over a year ago

Mr. Hopkins is incredible! Kershaw County school district is so lucky to have him.