United Way of Greenville County has hired Dr. Edward Anderson as the new Executive Director of Ontrack Greenville, a community initiative to keep students on track to high school graduation and post-secondary school success.

Anderson, who currently serves as the principal of Tanglewood Middle School, will begin the new role on July 1. He succeeds Michelle Shain, who served as interim director of OnTrack Greenville since October 2019.

“Dr. Anderson is a remarkable leader with a passion for helping students and families,” said Meghan Barp, president and CEO of United Way of Greenville County. “His connection to the work is deep and his experience will be a benefit to all of our OnTrack Greenville schools.”

As Executive Director of OnTrack Greenville, Anderson will oversee the strategic direction and plan for the school-based high school graduation program, which began in four Greenville County middle schools in 2013, with elements now scaled across the school district. The evidence-based program works to strengthen students and instill resilience with improved academic and behavioral achievement, create a positive culture change in schools, and be a model, driver and influencer of larger community evolution.

During his tenure as principal at Tanglewood, Anderson worked closely with OnTrack Greenville to improve academic achievement, increase attendance and reduce disciplinary referrals. He also helped establish a schoolwide rebranding with the tagline “It Takes a Village.”

Over the course of his principalship, he has been the recipient of the Urban League’s Talented Tenth Award and the Xanthene Norris Educational Achievement Award, served on a number of panels and presented at regional conferences, and led Tanglewood to receive the 2020 Upstate Diversity Leadership Award.

“Dr. Anderson has been a great asset to Greenville County Schools during his tenure with our organization, and I know he will continue to bring his passion for supporting students, teachers and public education to this role,” said Dr. Burke Royster, Superintendent of Greenville County Schools. “We congratulate him on this opportunity, and look forward to continuing to work with Dr. Anderson in this new capacity.”

Anderson, a native of Greenville, holds an elementary and secondary endorsement in principalship, a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction, and a doctoral degree in educational leadership and technology. He currently serves on the board of directors for the SC Children’s Trust, aimed at preventing child abuse, neglect, and injury.

“I’m excited to join the OnTrack Greenville team as we partner with the greater community to improve pathways to success for our students,” said Anderson.