Krista Finklea
Program Coordinator & Assistant Professor of Education
Department(s)
College of Education, Master of Education (M.Ed.)Credentials
Dr. Krista Finklea
EdD Educational Leadership 2023 Charleston Southern University,
M.Ed. Education Administration 2009 William Woods University,
B.S. Early Childhood and Elementary Education 1998 Indiana University- Kokomo
About Krista Finklea
Krista Finklea, EdD, has extensive experience in education spanning K–12 and higher education settings. With a background as a school leader and university faculty member, she brings both practical and scholarly expertise to her work in educational leadership. Dr. Finklea has served in roles that include teaching, administration, program development, and graduate supervision. Her work reflects a deep commitment to preparing future school leaders who are grounded in research, ethical practice, and servant leadership.
Her scholarship and professional service focus on leadership development, mentoring and induction, school improvement, and the preparation of PK–12 administrators. She is actively involved in state and professional organizations and frequently contributes to leadership initiatives within the educational community.
She earned her undergraduate degree in education and later completed her master’s and doctoral degrees in Educational Leadership. Her academic preparation, combined with real-world leadership experience, informs her passion for equipping aspiring principals and educational leaders to serve schools with integrity, competence, and faith.
She lives in Conway, South Carolina with her family and remains actively involved in her church and community. In her free time, she enjoys teaching women’s Bible studies, mentoring future leaders, and spending time with family and friends.
"The individual calling God has placed on each student’s life is deeply connected to the work we do as a university. In my role at Charleston Southern, I see students—particularly aspiring school leaders—who feel called to influence schools, teachers, and students in meaningful ways. My responsibility is to help refine, strengthen, and equip that calling through rigorous preparation, mentorship, and faith-integrated learning."
Signature Experiences
2014 Participated in Culturally Responsive Education- Led by Dr. Edward Fergus of the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education and Human Development at NYU
2014 Attended Closing the Achievement Gap Institute at Harvard University
Member of South Carolina Association of School Administrators (SCASA)
South Carolina: Tier I Elementary Principal Certification
Illinois: Type 75 - Educational Administration