Jodi was admired for her role in advancing P-12 character education and collaborating with character-focused leaders nationally and internationally. She was the executive director of The Hope Institute from 2019-2022, helping build the organization from early in its existence and guiding the development of its program, curriculum and staff. She also served as professor of educational leadership in Samford’s Orlean Beeson School of Education since 2008 where she fulfilled roles as associate dean of the School of Education, director of doctoral programs, and interim chair of the Department of Teacher Education. Before her time at Samford, Jodi was the superintendent of Homewood City Schools for more than 10 years. She found great joy in helping shape leaders in Alabama education. Her tremendous impact not only at The Hope Institute and Samford University, but also on the field of education and the greater community, will continue to be felt for years to come.

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