New Superintendent Named to Lead the Development Research School

Patricia C. Hodge is the new superintendent of Florida A&M University Developmental Research School (FAMU DRS).

“I am very excited about the opportunity,” said Hodge, a Pompano Beach native. “This school has a long history of educating African-American students and I am excited to be a part of that.”

Hodge, who previously served as the principal for Florida Atlantic University Schools, said some of her goals include increasing the research opportunities for FAMU faculty and FAMU DRS faculty; expanding the educational opportunities for students at DRS, such as dual enrollment; increasing advanced placement type programs; and increasing the early education programs for the school’s pre-K and elementary students.

“Dr. Hodge will be a remarkable addition to FAMU DRS,” said Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Cynthia Hughes Harris. “She is very driven and dedicated to education. Her commitment to students makes her a perfect match for the research school. We are fortunate to have her leadership and look forward to working with her to take FAMU DRS to the next level.”

Hodge earned her bachelor’s degree in 1986 from the University of Florida in Gainesville; her master’s in 1989 from Atlanta University in Atlanta, Ga.; a specialist degree in educational leadership in 2000 from Florida Atlantic University (FAU) in Boca Raton, Fla; and her doctorate in 2008 from FAU.

Prior to serving as the principal for FAU Schools, she worked as the assistant principal for the school system. While working with Lloyd Estates Elementary School in Broward County, her major functions were administration, supervision, fiscal management, grant writing and parent and community involvement.

During her tenure, from 2002-2004, the school achieved an A school rating, achieved AYP annually and created the Targeted Assistance Program, which helped students who were having difficulties with their academics. She also supervised all expenditures, authored various competitive grants and served as the interim chair of transition for the School Advisory Board.

She is a member of the Education Law Association, Florida Association of School Administrators, National Association of Elementary School Principals, National Association of Laboratory Schools, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., National Society of Collegiate Scholars, and Kiwanis Club International.

Founded in 1887, FAMU DRS, formerly known as Lucy Moten, was established as a Teacher Training School for FAMU. The mission of the K-12 school is to conduct research, demonstration and evaluation of the management of teaching and learning. FAMU DRS places curriculum emphasis on mathematics, science, technology and foreign languages. The faculty and staff are committed to providing a quality education for students by promoting rigor and innovative strategies for teaching and learning.

“I will be calling everyone on campus as soon as I get the opportunity,” she said. “I hope they can speak with me so we can begin to work to make FAMU DRS the school I know it can be.”