Education Alumnus Appointed Middle School Principal

The Howell L. Watkins Middle School in Florida recently appointed Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice alumni Presley Charles, Ed.D., as their new principal. Before becoming a principal, Charles was a member of the Professional Growth Department as the Manager of Leadership Development in the School District of Palm Beach County. He also served as an assistant principal and has been in education for 16 years in four school districts in Florida and Georgia.

Charles, was born in Freeport, Bahamas, but raised in Pompano Beach, Florida, with his parents, who immigrated to Florida from Haiti. He received his associate degree from Tallahassee Community College, then proceeded to earn an undergraduate degree in sociology from Florida A&M University. Charles continued to pursue his education by earning a Masters of Educational Leadership at Florida A&M University. In 2012, he earned a doctorate degree in Human Service Administration from the Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice.

Charles is the founder of Man I am Male Mentoring and Leadership Program, which helps young males develop a sense of self-respect and become productive young men of their community in which he mentored hundreds of young men. He received the Glenn-Howell Distinguished Minority Educator of the Year Award for 2009-10 and 2010-11, and he was also featured in Essence Magazine top 50 “Do Right Man” in 2006 for his work in the community.

Charles is proud of the doctorate degree he received from the Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice. His advice for future students pursuing a career as an educational leader is to follow a purpose and not a position, lead people to influence, and add value to them.

Charles lives in Florida with his wife Jacqueline and two children, Xavier and Pharaoh. Fins up to you, Presley and all of your incredible accomplishments. The Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice can’t wait to hear about all your success as you step into your new role as principal.

Posted 02/13/22