Dr. Grenita Lathan views her role as chief advocate for Springfield Public Schools, its students and employees. She takes that responsibility seriously and keeps her focus on efforts to positively impact the 24,000 students and 3,500 employees who learn and work at SPS.

When she came to Springfield in 2021, Dr. Lathan was pleased to see that the community supported its students and schools. That collaborative spirit creates a strong foundation for continuing to expand and improve the educational experience for Springfield students, no matter who they are or where they live.

During the 2024-2025 school year, Dr. Lathan’s work will focus on:

• A literacy initiative to increase English Language Arts scores on MAP standardized tests by 2 percent. 
• Establishing and maintaining high academic and behavioral expectations for students.
• Preparing students to be success ready for college or careers upon graduation.

Achieving these important goals requires that everyone–students, employees, parents and community members–be active participants in the process. To encourage involvement, Dr. Lathan breaks down barriers by being accessible and transparent in her communication. 

Beyond the classroom, Dr. Lathan also encourages involvement in the community. She knows from personal experience the positive impact it can have on young people. She first learned about serving her community through Sunday School and Girl Scouts. These women in leadership instilled in her character traits and leadership qualities that have helped her achieve success. She is very involved in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and The Links, Incorporated, which are  international service organizations for women.  She also serves on the boards of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, United Way of the Ozarks Campaign Cabinet and Community Partnership of the Ozarks. 

EDUCATION

• Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Doctor of Philosophy in Workforce Education and Development 

• University of North Carolina, Greensboro, Master of Science in Business Education 

• North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, Bachelor of Science in Business Education
  
  

AWARDS

• Biz 417 100 Honoree, 2023, 2022, 2021
• Springfield Business Journal Most Influential Women Award, 2022
• Houston NAACP Educational Advocacy Award
• Houston Top 30 Influential Women Award
• Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Hero Award
• Texas Legislative Black Caucus Outstanding Texan Award
• YWCA Outstanding Women's Award