Shawn McDaniel has been named vice president of instruction and student services for Bevill State Community College.
McDaniel, a Pickens County native, previously served as superintendent of Pickens County Schools. He spent a few weeks as Bevill State’s dean of instruction before being promoted to vice president of instruction and student services.
In Pickens County, he served in numerous education roles spanning nearly two decades. He was once a science teacher, coach, school bus driver, dual-enrollment instructor, assistant principal, principal, and a career and technical education director before becoming superintendent. He was also an adjunct instructor at Bevill State for many years.
McDaniel has an associate of applied science degree from Shelton State Community College, a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Mississippi University for Women, and a Master of Education degree in biological science and educational administration from the University of West Alabama.
“I had a wonderful experience in Pickens County in developing the college and career center and how it operated day to day with the dual enrollment to create success for our students,” McDaniel said. “When this opportunity became available, I felt like it was something I would be good at. I was very familiar with it, and I understood dual enrollment and how the community college process operates.”
In his roles with Pickens County Schools, he helped expand career technical education and dual enrollment opportunities for students, while strengthening workforce partnerships. He also helped expand the district’s welding program and establish a practical nursing pathway for high school students, which he said was the first program of its kind in Alabama. McDaniel said he knew he could help develop schedules and expand dual enrollment opportunities in the college’s service area.
“It basically comes back to the one goal, and that is creating opportunity and developing a workforce to create success,” he said.
McDaniel is married to his high school sweetheart, April. They have two sons — Noah, a senior at Gordo High School, and Eli, who is in eighth grade.
He said it’s an exciting time to work for Bevill State Community College as enrollment grows, and dual enrollment opportunities continue to expand.
“Every day is a new day, and every day presents a different challenge, and I like that,” he said. “What I love about Bevill State is it’s really focused on the family environment and serving its community. We are the community’s college. … Bevill State has a rich, deep history in producing some great students who went on to do great things.”
He added, “I’m just grateful to be here and look forward to continuing to help create success across the college. I’m thankful every day for the opportunity to serve.”
