Virgie R. Chambers honored as OCSD Alumni Spotlight
Orangeburg County School District proudly recognizes Virgie Randolph Chambers, MPA, as its OCSD Spotlight of the Month for her decades of extraordinary leadership and service in education, public policy, and student support across South Carolina.
A respected public service leader with more than 40 years of experience, Chambers currently serves as deputy superintendent for the Division of District Operations and Support at the South Carolina Department of Education. In this role, she oversees statewide operational strategy, school transportation, facilities, health, Medicaid, and nutrition services that directly impact thousands of students and educators across the state.
Throughout her distinguished career, Chambers has worked under multiple state superintendents of education, helping lead initiatives that strengthen school systems, improve student safety, and ensure equitable learning environments for all children. Her leadership has supported major statewide efforts, including modernization of South Carolina’s school bus fleet, school safety improvements, expanded mental health services, and investments in rural school construction projects.
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Despite her statewide impact, Chambers proudly remembers her roots in Orangeburg County. “I graduated in 1979 from Orangeburg School District Three, when the school was known as Holly Hill High School, home of the Bantams. The teachers and staff in Orangeburg County poured so much into me academically and personally. They challenged me to serve others with dignity and pride while instilling lifelong lessons I will never forget,” Chambers shared proudly.
Prior to her current role, Chambers held several senior leadership positions at the South Carolina Department of Education, including director of the Office of Public School Choice and Innovation and director of the Office of School-Based Health Finance. She also played a key role in state government policy development, serving as director of Health and Human Services Policy for Governor Jim Hodges and as a senior research analyst for the South Carolina General Assembly.
“Virgie Randolph Chambers represents the very best of Orangeburg County. Her lifelong dedication to education, public service, and student success is both inspiring and impactful. As a proud graduate of Holly Hill High School, she has used the foundation built right here in Orangeburg County to help shape educational systems across the entire state of South Carolina. We are incredibly proud to recognize her as our OCSD Spotlight of the Month,” said Dr. Shawn Foster, superintendent of Orangeburg County School District.
Chambers earned both her Bachelor of Arts in political science and Master of Public Administration from the University of South Carolina, graduating magna cum laude and cum laude, respectively. Her many honors include the J. Verne Smith Humanitarian Award and the South Carolina Association of Pupil Transportation Friend of Transportation Award. Orangeburg County School District celebrates Virgie Randolph Chambers for her unwavering commitment to education, student wellness, and public service. Her story reflects the excellence, leadership, and lasting impact that continue to emerge from Orangeburg County schools.
