The Lexington County School District One Board of Trustees approved the recommendation of Justin B. Wingard as the new director of the College Center at the board’s Wednesday, Aug. 18 meeting.

Wingard most recently served as dean of instruction for early college at South Houston High School in Texas before relocating to South Carolina.

With more than 14 years of experience in secondary education, Wingard joins Lexington One with a strong background in early college programs, college and career readiness, advanced academics, instructional leadership and school improvement. He has focused on expanding opportunities for students while building systems that support academic achievement and prepare students for success beyond high school.

“Mr. Wingard brings valuable experience in creating opportunities for students to challenge themselves academically while preparing for success beyond high school,” Superintendent Keith Price said. “His leadership in early college programming and his commitment to expanding access for students align well with our work in Lexington One. We are excited to welcome him back to South Carolina and confident that his leadership will help ensure our students at The College Center feel challenged, supported and prepared for whatever comes next.”

As dean of instruction for early college at South Houston High School, Wingard led the implementation of the Texas Education Agency’s Early College High School Blueprint, supporting students as they work toward earning both a high school diploma and an associate degree. Under his leadership, South Houston earned Distinguished Early College High School status in 2024–25 and 2025–26, achieving all state distinction measures for attainment, access, achievement and overall program performance.

Before becoming dean of instruction, Wingard served as an assistant principal and technology campus content specialist at South Houston High School. He previously served as a professional development coordinator and mathematics teacher at Lamar High School in the Houston Independent School District.

Wingard’s new role also marks a return to South Carolina, where he began his career in education. He previously taught mathematics at Palmetto High School in Anderson School District One and Edisto High School in Orangeburg Consolidated School District Four.

Wingard earned a Bachelor of Science in mathematics teaching from Clemson University, a Master of Education in educational leadership from the University of St. Thomas and a Master of Public Administration in public management and Master of Science in sports management from Georgia Southern University. He received Teacher of the Year honors multiple times — from Palmetto High School and Anderson School District One as well as Lamar High School in Houston.