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Executive Directors

In alignment with principal supervisor research conducted by Vanderbilt University and Mathematica Policy Research, and the University of Washington's DL2 Principal Supervisor Performance Standards, Beaufort County School District executive directors supervise our district principals with a focus on instructional leadership.

With a combined 60 years of culmulative experience serving in our school district, Chad Cox, Ed.D., Mona Lise Dickson, Ed.D., and Celestine LaVan, Ed.D., are tasked with a portfolio of schools to effect change and liaise between the district office and their assigned schools. Their exposure and presence affords them both central office and school-based perspectives, ensuring policies and procedures are effective and efficient.

Their No.1 priority is to ensure principals have what they need to move student learning and achievement forward.

— Dr. Frank Rodriguez, Superintendent

Email Dr. Cox or call 
843-694-1047

Email Dr. Dickson or call
843-812-4770

Email Dr. LaVan or call
843-812-2438

Chad Cox, Ed.D.

Executive Director of Schools

Chad Cox has 21 years of educational experience, all at Beaufort County School District schools. He started his education career as a social studies teacher at Battery Creek High School in 2003 and went on to serve as freshman academy assistant principal.

Chad has also served as the assistant principal of instruction at two district schools, Robert Smalls International Academy and Whale Branch Early College High. He was the principal at Whale Branch Middle from 2015 to 2017, and most recently, the principal of Battery Creek High, which is recognized as a Leader in Me Lighthouse School. Chad was a member of the SC Army National Guard from 1999 through 2006, serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Chad earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Clemson University and a master’s degree in secondary education from Cambridge College. He holds an education specialist degree from South Carolina State University and recently earned a doctorate degree in Education Leadership from South Carolina State University.

Mona Lise Dickson, Ed.D.

Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction of Schools

Mona Lise Dickson has 32 years of educational experience, 31 with the Beaufort County School District. She began her career teaching mathematics at Beaufort High in 1994 where she went on to serve as the dean of academics and as an assistant building principal.

Mona Lise has served as principal at three district schools, Whale Branch Middle, Lady’s Island Middle (which became STEM certified under her tenure), and Whale Branch Early College High where she proudly lead the Warrior Nation since 2015. While there, Dickson expanded the Early College Program by adding CTE courses, and spearheaded the first high school dental program in SC.

Mona Lise earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Rollins College and a master’s degree in education in administration licensure from Cambridge College. She holds an education specialist degree from The Citadel and a doctorate degree in Educational and Organizational Leadership Development from Clemson University. Mona Lise is an award-winning leader, having been honored with the TAP Founder’s Award, the National Change Leader’s Award, and the Gene Bottoms Pacesetter Award from the Southern Regional Education Board.

Celestine LaVan, Ed.D.

Executive Director of Elementary Schools

Celestine Lavan is an accomplished educational leader with over two decades of experience driving student success, enhancing instructional quality, and overseeing school operations. Currently serving as the Executive Director of Schools for Beaufort County School District, she provides leadership for 17 elementary schools and one K-8 academy.

Dr. Lavan’s prior roles include serving as Director for Elementary and Middle Schools in Darlington County, Principal of Robert Smalls Leadership Academy, and Principal of Joseph Shanklin Elementary, where she led the school to earn Leader in Me Lighthouse status and secured Palmetto Gold and Silver awards for Growth and Achievement.

A United States Navy Veteran and lifelong learner, Dr. Lavan holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Liberty University and certifications including Lean Six Sigma and SHRM People Manager Qualification. She is also an adjunct professor of Educational Leadership and Curriculum & Instruction at Grand Canyon University. She was awarded the SC Educator of Excellence by the South Carolina Association of Black School Educators in 2019.

Dr. Lavan’s leadership reflects her commitment to fostering innovative learning environments and supporting the success of educators and students alike.