Rénard Harris
Host, "Teachable Moments"Rénard Harris is an Associate Professor of Management in the School of Business at the College of Charleston (2022-present). He teaches courses in Leadership and courses in Managing Diversity. His leadership course focuses on the dynamics of effective leadership, positive influence, and clear vision. His Managing Diversity course focuses on exploring culture, experiences, and identity as asset and resource of those less heard and less seen.
Prior to teaching in the School of Business he was the Vice President of Access and Inclusion and the Chief Diversity Officer at the college (2016-2022). His primary responsibilities were to raise the visibility of the institution’s diversity efforts by building collaborative relationships, unifying the campus by educating and highlighting the essence and strengths of various identities, guiding diversity programs and workshops, and creating initiatives that improve the success of underserved students.
Harris has been at the College of Charleston since the fall of 2005. He began as a faculty member and was promoted to associate professor of teacher education in 2013.
Since his time at the College of Charleston and several years prior, he has explored multicultural education, diversity, equity, and inclusion, storytelling, the
Blues as story, cultural relevance, and leadership. He is often called upon to serve as a keynote speaker, diversity facilitator and consultant for businesses and educational institutions.
Harris holds an Ed.D. in teacher education from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Tenn., where he completed his dissertation entitled An Interpretive Analysis of the Formative Period of Journal Publications Related to Multicultural Education, 1977–1987, under the guidance of chair Thomas Turner. He completed an M.S. in curriculum and instruction at the University of Tennessee and taught for five years at Alcoa Middle School in Alcoa, Tennessee.
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The beginning of the school year brings challenges and excitement for students and families. One of the most concerning issues is being accepted by peers.
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Starting in 2025, South Carolina will introduce changes to the math curriculum for students from kindergarten to 12th grade.
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As we observe National Dyslexia Awareness Month this October, it’s important to recognize the challenges students and families face.
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The first few days of school are critical for children’s adjustment.
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The countdown to move-in day for college students is a whirlwind of excitement, preparation and lots of questions.
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One of the most important indicators of student success is a sense of belonging. Students who feel like they belong at school are more engaged and make a bigger effort.
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One of the first decisions a parent makes for their child's education is whether their child is ready to begin kindergarten or should be held back a year, a practice known as academic redshirting.
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One of the biggest transitions for first-year college students is moving away from home and into a residence hall with a roommate.