Dean shares his vision for the School of Education: Blending Purpose, Passion, and Progress

Just a little more than a month into his position as Dean of the School of Education, Dr. David Buckman has extensive plans to expand opportunity, strengthen partnerships, and create lasting impact in the lives of educators and students.

“Partnerships are a big one,” Buckman said. “Being visible and engaged with local school districts like Aiken, Edgefield, Barnwell, and Saluda. We want USCA to be the go-to institution for these communities.”

Before the titles and accolades, Buckman’s journey began in Johnston, South Carolina, a small town where he first discovered his love for sports, leadership, and community. A graduate of Strom Thurmond High School, he was active in marching band, football, and student government, serving as vice president of the student body. These early experiences helped shape his desire to work with others and inspired his interest in coaching and education.

“I was always around coaches, in the weight room, on the field,” he recalls. “Those were some of the happiest moments for me, and I realized I wanted to be in that environment long term.”

Although Dr. Buckman didn’t come from a family of educators, it was his mother’s advice, with her background in the business world, that opened his eyes to the possibilities of a career in education. “She talked about job security, the quality of life, and the impact you could make. That conversation really stuck with me,” he said.

With a strong sense of direction, Buckman went on to earn his bachelor's degree in physical education from the University of South Carolina. While in college, he stayed deeply involved, most notably as a cheerleader for four years. Between football games, basketball season, pep rallies, and statewide events like Augusta’s Border Bash, cheerleading became his full-time extracurricular commitment.

“I think cheerleading helped structure my time the way sports did in high school,” he said. “It kept me focused and accountable.”

After graduation, he began his career as a middle school P.E. teacher in Spartanburg, South Carolina, where he taught for five years while also earning his master’s and specialist degrees in Educational Leadership. That experience laid the foundation for what would

became an upward trajectory in education, ultimately leading him to pursue and complete a Ph.D. in Educational Administration, a decision made possible by a full scholarship from the Southern Regional Education Board.

Dr. Buckman has since served in several roles across higher education: assistant professor at DePaul University in Chicago, tenured associate professor and department chair at Kennesaw State University in Georgia, and associate dean at Augusta University. He also led at the University of West Georgia in launching Georgia’s BEST, a program connecting school districts with graduate funding opportunities for educators.

Looking ahead: A bold vision for the School of Education

Now, as Dean of the School of Education, Buckman is focusing on meeting today’s educational challenges with proactive, student-centered solutions.

One of his top priorities is expanding graduate-level offerings, especially programs that provide initial teacher certification for non-traditional students, those entering the profession after earning a degree in another field.

“Nationwide, fewer students are entering teacher education programs right out of high school,” he explained. “Instead, we’re seeing more career changes, people who want to teach but need flexible, graduate-level pathways to do so. That’s where we need to grow.”

Currently, the School of Education offers graduate programs focused on teacher leadership and school administration. Buckman aims to add programs that allow students to earn initial certification through master’s degrees, making USCA a more accessible and responsive institution for aspiring educators.

In addition to program expansion, Buckman is committed to strengthening community partnerships, especially with local school districts in Aiken, Edgefield, Barnwell, and Saluda Counties. He believes the School of Education should be a visible, trusted resource for the region’s educators and schools.

“I want us to be the go-to institution for professional development, collaboration, and teacher preparation,” he said. “That requires being present, listening to district needs, and building sustainable partnerships.”

To that end, he has already begun engaging with the Success Team, Teaching Fellows, and Teacher Cadets, while fielding invitations to join advisory boards and support local education efforts. His approach is twofold: prioritize internal stability while strategically growing external impact.

A leader with heart and focus

Despite his growing responsibilities, Buckman remains grounded in the values that brought him into education: connection, structure, and service. He continues to stay active through reading and fitness, two hobbies that help him stay balanced in an increasingly screen-driven world. “Reading has become a way to stay focused and reduce anxiety,” he said. “It’s hard to multitask while reading a book it keeps you in the moment.”

Currently, he’s been exploring works by W.E.B. Du Bois, Booker T. Washington, and other thought leaders related to history and social progress, which aligns with his passion for education and community development.

Looking ahead, Dr. Buckman is excited and humbled by the opportunity to lead.

“I see this position as a culmination of everything I’ve worked toward. I’m grateful and excited for what lies ahead, building impact and hopefully a legacy for the School of Education.”

For more information, contact USCA Marketing & Communication at news@usca.edu.