EPIC’s Roland inducted into Oklahoma African American Educators Hall of Fame

OKLAHOMA CITY — EPIC Charter Schools’ Lee Roland, who leads the school’s Principal Leadership
Development program, has been inducted into the Oklahoma African American Educators (OAAE) Hall of
Fame.

Ceremonies were Sept. 27 at the Oklahoma History Center in Oklahoma City, where Roland was recognized as
“A Difference Maker.”

The OAAE Hall of Fame recognizes and honors African American educators or support personnel who have
made a significant contribution in Oklahoma. Honorees must have worked as an administrator or teacher in
Oklahoma at the elementary, middle, secondary or college level; have contributed to and influenced the
education and lives of the students; and have been a community worker and/or leader.

“Being inducted into the Oklahoma African American Educators Hall of Fame is both tremendously humbling
and encouraging to me. Therefore, I would be remiss not to share my appreciation to any and everyone that has
poured into me, directly or otherwise. My achievements are the results of a wonderful family, supportive
colleagues and some of the absolute most amazing teachers on earth,” Roland said.

Of his 30 years in public education, Roland spent 12 of them as principal of Tulakes Elementary in the Putnam
City Public School District. The once-failing Tulakes struggled with high suspension rates and teacher turnover
as well as a 100 percent free and reduced lunch student population. Under Roland’s care, the school is now
considered one of the best in Putnam City.

Born in Guthrie Roland has devoted his life to public education and community service, and he comes from a
family of educators and community leaders who did the same. His mother was a teacher and his father a pastor.

Roland currently sits on numerous boards, including The Spero Project, Stronger Together and Hope for
Generations. He also is a commissioner on the Oklahoma Commission for Children and Youth. Further, he uses
his gift of motivational speaking to travel the state and inspire students and educators. He became EPIC’s
director of principal leadership development earlier this year. EPIC Superintendent Bart Banfield praised
Roland for devoting his professional career to the betterment of Oklahoma schools and student success and said
the Hall of Fame could not have selected a better individual to honor this year.

“When Lee was chosen to be EPIC’s director of principal leadership development, we knew he would bring a
lifetime of passion and commitment to improvement for which he is so well known,” Banfield said. “This
induction into such a prestigious line of educational history is highly appropriate for such a gifted and motivated
educator. I couldn’t be more proud of him.”

EPIC is the state’s third-largest public school system. It serves approximately 29,000 students statewide in the
2019-2020 school year and currently employs more than 1,100 certified teachers and principals located in every
county across the state. For more information, visit www.epiccharterschools.org.

Wednesday, 10/16/2019   Page .A07 Copyright (c)2019 Edmond Sun, Edition 10/16/2019