Dr. Abbey Duggins appointed as deputy superintendent at SCDE

The South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) has announced that Dr. Abbey Duggins will take on the role of Chief Academic Officer and Deputy Superintendent of College, Career, and Military Readiness starting June 17, 2025.

Dr. Duggins joined SCDE in September 2022 as the Director of the Office of Early Learning and Literacy. Her career spans over two decades in education, covering classroom instruction, school administration, and district leadership. During her tenure at SCDE, she led a significant rollout of Science-of-Reading-aligned LETRS professional development training for K-3rd grade educators across South Carolina.

In July 2024, she was promoted to Executive Director of Teaching and Learning. In this position, she has been responsible for initiatives aimed at enhancing instructional quality and student outcomes statewide while managing six offices within the agency.

Dr. Duggins holds a PhD in Language and Literacy from the University of South Carolina, where she also completed Master’s degrees in Educational Administration and Language and Literacy.

Expressing her enthusiasm for her new role, Dr. Duggins stated: "I am honored to step into the role of Deputy Superintendent for the South Carolina Department of Education. This is more than a position: it is a calling to serve our students, support our educators, and continue the mission set forth by Superintendent Weaver to ensure a solid educational experience for every student in our state."

State Superintendent Ellen Weaver praised Dr. Duggins' appointment: “Abbey brings positive energy and unshakeable hope to each challenge she encounters, focusing on solutions instead of obstacles."