The Inspiring Legacy of The Piney Woods School with Will Crossley
Ready to unearth the inspiring story of a powerful, historically Black institution that continues to thrive? In our latest episode, we're thrilled to bring you into the world of The Piney Woods School, a unique private boarding school steeped in history and dedication to empowering the next generation. Our esteemed guest, Will Crossley, president of Piney Woods, joins us along with our guest host Dr. Daniel Thomas, assistant professor of multicultural and urban education at Texas A&M University, to guide us through his intriguing journey and the school's resilient mission.
In our in-depth conversation, we journey into the history of Piney Woods, established in 1909 against a backdrop of an 85% illiteracy rate and the harsh racist conditions of the Deep South, and discuss how it has developed a successful entrepreneurial education approach. Fascinating real-life examples, such as students' collaboration with Brown University on an environmental research project, bring the narrative to life.
This episode doesn't just stop at education; it's about the people who make education possible. We highlight philanthropy's instrumental role in shaping the school's ethos of breaking away from the conventional factory model of education. And to wrap up our enlightening discussion, we spotlight Piney Woods' contributions to nurturing young entrepreneurs and preparing students to be the leaders of tomorrow. Don't miss this exploration of education, resilience, and empowerment through Piney Woods School's inspiring story. Prepare to be challenged, engaged, and inspired.