Dr. Burke Royster Named SC/NSPRA Administrator of the Year
The South Carolina chapter of the National School Public Relations Association named Greenville County Schools Superintendent Dr. Burke Royster the state’s Administrator of the Year at its annual Rewards for Excellence Luncheon, May 12.
The award recognizes the leadership of a South Carolina public school administrator who demonstrates commitment to the enhancement of communication and relationships between public schools and the students, families and communities they serve.
During the luncheon, the district’s Office of Strategic Communications and Engagement was recognized with additional awards:
- Best in Show: Social Media, American Education Week
- Best in Show: Good Vibes Brand Campaign
- Golden Achievement Award: Good Vibes Brand Campaign
- Golden Achievement Award: Calendar Information Campaign
- Special Purpose Publication Award: Connected Community Publication
- Social Media Award: American Education Week
- Calendar Award: 2023-24 & 2024-25 District Calendars
- Newsletter Award: Inspired Employee e-Newsletter
- Video Award: Carolina High students design their own caps and gowns for graduation
- Video Award: The unique story of how Todd Whittaker decided to become a teacher
- Video Award: 2022 Hall of Fame Inductees
The mission of SC/NSPRA is to build support and trust for public education through well-planned and responsible communication.
Dr. Royster’s Communication Achievements
Dr. Royster is a proponent of open and transparent communication and integrates communication into decision-making processes by including the Office of Strategic Communications and Engagement as instrumental members of the Senior Leadership, District Leadership, District Emergency Response, and the Inclement Conditions Evaluation teams.
He embraces and incorporates new and innovative communication tools and strategies to effectively communicate with both internal and external stakeholders. Under his leadership, the district created Backpack, a central site for accessing academics, registration and opportunities for involvement and has ensured Board of Trustee meetings and graduations are live streamed for the community.
Dr. Royster spearheaded the creation of the Greenville County Schools Hall of Fame to publicly showcase the district’s graduates and educators. He brought the ACE Awards, an annual end of the school year program for character and education award winners from all middle and high schools, internal to continue this valuable opportunity to recognize students.
Under his leadership, a communication plan was developed to make parents aware when EVOLV, the district weapons detection system, has been on their student’s campus, and he initiated the See Something, Say Something protocol.
