leadership
Meet Dr. Brian L. Bolden – Director of Student Success
Dr. Brian L. Bolden, is a John Maxwell certified leadership development coach, professional speaker, educational consultant, former Teacher of the Year, and former high school and elementary school principal with over 20 years of outstanding educational leadership experience. Dr. Bolden believes, “You were born for two reasons, to do great things and greater things”. He believes there are gifts, talents and genuine greatness on the inside of every individual. Dr. Bolden experienced tremendous success while serving as principal of Stephenson High School as evidenced by the high number of students receiving scholarships to attend college and the remarkable graduation rate. Dr. Bolden received a Proclamation from the mayor of Lithonia proclaiming May 16, 2010 as “Dr. Bolden Day” for his help in creating an atmosphere of high expectations that helped contribute to the school’s phenomenal success. Under his leadership, Stephenson High School was recognized by US News and World Report (2012) as the 35th Best High School in Georgia. Stephenson High School was also ranked in the top 10% of high schools in the nation during the same year.
As principal of Ronald E. McNair Discovery Learning Academy, his success continued. Dr. Bolden received national praise from leaders across the country including recognition from former US Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan for his extraordinary leadership when he led his school during a major crisis in August 2013. This school crisis propelled Dr. Bolden into the national spotlight as spokesperson on school safety, crisis management, and school leadership. Dr. Bolden made a guest appearance on CNN’s Piers Morgan Live and numerous television media outlets. While continuing to serve as principal of McNair Academy, he was instrumental in helping the school achieve AdvancED STEM certification. McNair Academy was one of only 50 AdvancED certified schools in the nation and one of the first predominately African American and free and reduced lunch populations to achieve this recognition.
Dr. Bolden continues to make a profound impact in education at the national level. In 2018, Dr. Bolden began speaking and training at several ASCD educational conferences around the country on leadership and STEM/STEAM education. Dr. Bolden conducts high-energy workshops on developing leadership skills in teens and young adults, empowering service organizations to overcome obstacles and grow their programs, and equipping parents with strategies to help children perform at the highest level. He also does corporate leadership coaching, speaks at churches, business organizations, and most of all he enjoys helping others overcome life’s challenges and become the best they can be. Dr. Bolden, a native Atlantan is married to his high school sweetheart, Mrs. Roni S. Bolden, who was formerly “Teacher of the Year” at Cleveland Avenue Elementary School in Atlanta. They are the devoted and proud parents of one daughter, Miss Briana Simone Bolden.
Dr. Bolden
He received a Bachelors of Science in Electrical Engineering from DeVry University, a Masters in Educational Leadership from Jacksonville State University and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Argosy University. In addition, Dr. Bolden has authored two books, the first entitled, You Just Don’t Understand Me!: Utilizing Differentiated Instructional Strategies to Improve Student Achievement and Reduce Classroom Discipline and the second book, 100 Powerful Affirmations for Children. He has also produced several inspirational and educational DVDs and CDs.