Oxendine

LIBERTY — The Red Devils will have a new principal beginning this fall after the School District of Pickens County selected Josh Oxendine to fill the role vacated by Lori Gwinn earlier this year.

Holding a bachelor of arts degree in secondary education and a master of Education, Administration and Supervision degree from Clemson University, Oxendine is also bringing experience from his years within the district. He has served as assistant principal since 2013 at Daniel High School as well as serving as interim principal when Dr. Danny Merck took on the district’s superintendent job. He also was Daniel High School’s graduation coach.

Oxendine began his career at Riverside Middle School in 2005 as a social studies teacher and co-athletic director. He was named Teacher of the Year in 2011.

Currently, Oxendine lives in Seneca with his wife, Alisha, and their son, Banks, but the family has plans of relocating closer to Liberty.

“My wife and I are about to build a house in the Liberty area, so I’m excited about becoming part of Liberty’s tight-knit community and about the chance to lead Liberty High’s students, faculty and staff,” Oxendine said. “I’m honored and humbled by the opportunity.”

John Eby, public information specialist for the SDPC, said Oxendine has deep roots in the community and education in his blood.

“Both of his parents, John and Mary Beth Oxendine, were educators in Pickens County,” said Eby.

His predecessor, Lori Gwinn, left the school when she was named the new director for Secondary Education.