Fellows of SOM: Dr. Shana Spriggs-Loring, Fellowship for Public Education Leadership
Dr. Shana Spriggs-Loring discusses how her experience at SOM informs her work in Little Rock’s public schools.
In this series, the Office of Community Engagement and Dialogue asks recipients how a fellowship enriches their education and furthers their goals. The Fellowship for Public Education Leadership at The Broad Center is a tuition-free executive leadership program for senior-level public education leaders from across the country who are dedicated to strengthening public school systems and the communities they serve. Learn more.
Why did you pursue this fellowship, and what does it mean to you?
I pursued The Broad Center’s Fellowship for Public Education Leadership because I believe educational leadership is systems leadership. In Little Rock, Arkansas, I’m leading complex work: opening a new high school, redesigning existing campuses, strengthening career and technical education pathways, and aligning our district to a clear Profile of a Graduate. That level of responsibility requires strategic thinking beyond individual schools.
The fellowship means access to a network of leaders committed to equity, scale, and sustainable change. It’s a commitment to lead with greater clarity, discipline, and long-term vision.
How does your status as a fellow impact the way you engage with your community and contribute to your overall SOM experience?
Being a fellow changes how I show up. I’m more intentional about bridging conversations between K-12 education and business strategy. Whether we’re discussing budget tradeoffs, organizational change, or talent development, I’m always thinking about how our conversations translate into better outcomes for students.
In my community, the fellowship strengthens my responsibility to model bold, equity-driven systems and leadership. At SOM, I contribute a real-world district lens grounded in implementation, not just theory.
What lessons have you learned that will help you contribute to business and society at SOM and beyond?
Three lessons stand out:
- Talent is the strategy. Sustainable change depends on strong leadership pipelines.
- Clarity creates momentum. A narrow, measurable focus drives execution.
- Scale requires systems. Transformation happens through aligned structures, metrics, and governance, not individual effort alone.
What’s one highlight of this experience?
One highlight has been engaging with leaders across sectors who are tackling complex, structural challenges. Those conversations sharpen my thinking and push me to lead with greater precision and courage.
What advice do you have for other students interested in this fellowship?
Be clear about your “why.” This fellowship is about purpose—so come ready to contribute, challenge your assumptions, and apply what you learn to real systems. For me, the Broad Fellowship confers a responsibility to scale impact and ensure students graduate with real options and real opportunity.
