WHITMIRE — Kenneth Todd Frazier, 51, has taken over as assistant principal of grades 6 -12 at Whitmire Community School.
“It’s going to be a learning curve for me,” said Frazier, who has spent his teaching tenure in the career and technology sector. “It’s not anything we can’t do and I always like challenges. It’ll take a little bit to settle in and get going but I’m looking forward to being over here — it’s a great school system.”
Originally from Joanna, Frazier hopped the county line to attend Newberry College where he graduated with a B.S. in business in 1989.
While in college he was a four-year member of the basketball squad and was named the team’s most valuable player in three consecutive seasons.
His on-court merits earned the 6’7” Frazier a spot in the Newberry College Hall of Fame in 2006.
Following college Frazier went into business for himself and later went on to earn an MBA in management from Strayer University in 2006.
Additionally he holds an Ed.S. in School administration.
About halfway through his master’s, an old coach of Frazier’s recommended he get into teaching and he soon began subbing in Laurens County.
“I never thought I’d be a teacher,” he said.
Soon after, while serving as a long-term sub in Clinton, Frazier was contacted by then WCS principal Jim Suber who was seeking someone to fill in for a teacher on sick leave and teach a business class.
After instructing for a year at Whitmire Frazier went back to Clinton to teach building construction and coach.
“Coaching has always been a dream of mine,” he said.
Frazier helped out with football and spent five years as the head basketball coach.
This year represents Frazier’s return to the Newberry County school system following the brief time he spent here roughly a decade ago.
“I just appreciate Coach Haney and Coach Suber having the confidence in me to give me a chance at the job,” he said.
Outside of work Frazier said he enjoys gardening and fishing and spending time with his five children and four grandchildren (so far), two of whom attend WCS.
“My grandson’s not too excited about his grandpa being over here,” he said.