Site Administrator Earns Degree

posted 5/27/20 -- Hopkins Locke Head Start Site Administrator Akeea Nelson has earned her bachelor’s degree.

Nelson, administrator of the center since 2015, earned her degree in Early Childhood Education online through the University of Cincinnati. She received kudos from UC administrators for the quality of her work during her studies.

“I received an email from the head of the education department complimenting me on the quality of my student teacher video,” Nelson said. “She wanted to use it in the future of program as a example for other students. That was an extreme sense of validation for me.”

Nelson said she juggled work, school and parenting while she completed her degree and was motivated to set an example for her young daughter.

“I want her to see that there is no boundary too large to stop you from achieving your goals in life,” she said. “There were many times that there were many pieces in the air that required a lot of focus and dedication to maintain a constant flow. When I finally pushed the submit button for my last assignment, a feeling of true accomplishment and elation swept over me.”

Prior to becoming site administrator at Hopkins-Locke, Nelson served as LCCAA Head Start’s Education and Disabilities Assistant. She began her career with LCCAA as a home visitor in 2012. Nelson was recognized earlier this year for saving a child from choking during snack time at her center.

“Akeea is an incredible person with a genuinely compassionate heart,” said Education and Disabilities Specialist Jennifer Bartlebaugh. “Her hard work to achieve this degree demonstrates her commitment to lifelong learning and creating excellence for Head Start students here in Lorain.”