Administration
Society seems to pressure our young people to lower their expectations and self-respect. I believe people, in general, have lowered their expectations of what it truly means to be a leader. More so than before I can remember, our society is in need of leaders to step forward and initiate movements to raise these expectations. Our intent is that OCS graduates do just that. Our mission “Preparing Youth for Time and Eternity” is structured to produce leaders with a twofold purpose. We want to bring young people closer to God by providing them with the tools to make a life for themselves in this world and a place in the next. In addition, we want them to leave OCS with the courage to share this foundation with others as community leaders. We pray that OCS produces difference makers, young people motivated to raise the world’s expectations. Being a part of shaping this type of leader is what drives my passion for Christian education.
We seek not to replace public education but rather provide an alternative without the governing restrictions of mainstream schools. It excites me to know we have the freedom to educate and develop the “whole” person. In fact, we expect our graduates to attend the greatest universities and set them on fire for the glory of God. Christian education should produce men and women full of brilliant ideas and a heart for this nation and those beyond. OCS should yield leaders in passionate pursuit of bringing pleasure to God through loving and leading his people into the fullness of His plan. Some will get this mission, some will not; but to the success, we give God the glory and press on.
What an exciting time to join Ouachita Christian as Head of School. The 2023-2024 school year will be my first year to join the administration, having served as a kindergarten teacher here many years ago. I retired from Morehouse Parish School System having served in a number of capacities, including teacher, coordinator, and supervisor. For the last 12 years, I served as Head of School at Riverfield Academy.
My husband, John E. Slade III, and I are parents of OCS alumni Candice (1999) and Jacob (2008). My personal connection to OCS has fostered a deep understanding of our values, mission and the importance of an exceptional education. I understand the “family atmosphere" that is part of the uniqueness of OCS.
For almost 50 years OCS has positively impacted hundreds of families in our community and across the country. With a focus on Christianity, leadership and academics, OCS will continue to be the hands and feet of Jesus in the community. As a seasoned leader in education, I am committed to helping our students reach their full potential. I firmly believe in creating a nurturing and challenging academic environment that empowers students to excel and look forward to seeing our students continue to thrive and be well-prepared for the opportunities that lie ahead.
I am also committed to partnering with all of our OCS stakeholders, including our administration, faculty, staff, parents, alumni, and board. Working together, we will continue to uphold our mission of “Preparing Youth for Time and Eternity” and provide an exceptional education in a Christian environment for generations to come.
Education has literally been almost my whole life. From a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, to master’s degrees in reading and community and school counseling, to certificates in kindergarten through 8th grade, library science, school counseling, private school administration and more, I have dedicated my career to enriching the minds, hearts and souls of children.
For more than 30 years, from a classroom teacher to an administrator, I have been
thankful for what teaching has meant to the spiritual walk of my children's, my grandchildren's, and my life as a whole.
I am thankful for the Godly men and women who had a dream more than 40 years ago for this OCS, and I am proud to continue that dream here into the 21st century. Jeremiah the prophet told us, “This is what the LORD says: 'Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.'”
Those ancient paths are still true today. Our school is founded on teaching our children those ancient paths in a postmodern world, ways that will equip them to be the light in our world. Our school is committed to Christian education that will arm our society’s next leaders in the home, in medicine, in the church, in business and in every profession known to us.
As an educator for more than 30 years, I have served as a classroom teacher, curriculum coordinator, administrator, and assistant professor in both public and private schools. However, my greatest blessings have come from my service at OCS over the past ten years. During this time, I have witnessed faith, courage, wisdom, and commitment to our mission of “Preparing students for time and eternity.” The past few years brought about a previously untested resilience that emerged stronger than ever in each administrator, teacher, staff member, and student. It is this strength and faith that have built a culture at OCS that is spiritually deep, academically strong, and rich in extracurricular activities.
My prayer is that in keeping with Ephesians 2:10 “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do,” students find their God-given purpose as they develop or grow in a relationship with Jesus Christ. It is my purpose to help each student know that he or she is valued and to help make sure each student is prepared not just for academic success, but for a life filled with a deeper purpose, promise and a desire to serve.
At OCS, our desire remains true to serving God by providing a Christ-centered education that graduates young adults equipped as Christian leaders in the world. This is what unites us and what has bound us from the start. This mission is truly timeless as our students and alumni use their growing platform to express their faith to our community, country, and the world.