Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) Interim Superintendent Dr. Roderick Richmond has been selected to join the 2026 Council of the Great City Schools’ Michael Casserly Urban Executive Leadership Institute for Superintendents (MCUELI). The Institute is a prestigious national program designed to prepare senior education leaders for the unique challenges of leading large urban school systems.
Named in honor of longtime CGCS Executive Director Michael Casserly, the Institute was launched in 2023 to strengthen the pipeline of qualified, diverse leaders ready to serve as superintendents across America’s major city school districts. The program focuses on developing leadership excellence in areas essential to urban education management, including board relations, academics, operations, finance, media relations, and labor relations.
Participation in the program is highly selective. Candidates are nominated by current or former superintendents and undergo a rigorous review process. Each year, a small national cohort is chosen for an eight-month experience that blends in-person learning, mentorship, and “shadowing” opportunities with veteran urban superintendents.
Dr. Richmond’s selection is a testament to his exceptional leadership within MSCS and his growing national influence as an urban education leader. The Institute’s emphasis on diversity and representation ensures that educators of color and women are well-represented among its participants. Through mentorship, collaboration, and applied learning, it prepares rising leaders to navigate the multifaceted realities of urban education, from managing budgets and operations to engaging communities and driving student success.
This recognition not only honors Dr. Richmond’s professional achievements but also elevates MSCS as a model of leadership excellence among the nation’s largest urban districts. Please join us in congratulating Dr. Richmond on this significant honor and important milestone.
For more information about the Council of the Great City Schools and the Michael Casserly Urban Executive Leadership Institute for Superintendents, visit www.cgcs.org.
If you have a story about a MSCS student, teacher, or school to highlight, please email us at communications@scsk12.org. Include the school name, story details, and an SCSK12.ORG email for follow-up.