1977, Bachelor of Arts in Education, College of Education, University of South Carolina
1981, Master of Education, Graduate School, University of South Carolina
Since graduating from the University of South Carolina in December 1977, Donna Hooks has dedicated herself to serving students, educators, and her community. She worked for 36 years as a teacher and administrator in Horry County Schools, ending her career at national and state award winning Burgess Elementary School, which she opened as principal in 2007.
After retiring in 2014, Hooks continued to serve professionally in various roles including administrator, consultant, mentor, adjunct university instructor, and Executive Director for South Carolina ASCD. She has served on many state and community boards advising on educational issues, planning professional development opportunities, and advocating for educational reform at the local, state, and national levels.
HOOKS’ PASSION IS WORKING WITH CHILDREN AND FELLOW EDUCATORS WHEREVER SHE IS CALLED.
She has visited schools and collaborated with teachers and administrators across South Carolina and traveled internationally to serve on several Christian mission teams including working in classrooms with Roma students and adults in Slovakia, training and sharing resources with teachers in Haiti, and teaching children in churches, schools, and orphanages in Ukraine.