Desheil Echols
Biography
DeSheil L. Echols, Ph.D., is a native Detroiter educated in Detroit Public Schools. For the past 24 years, she has acquired several award-winning experiences servicing students for the District that educated her. She has had the honor to serve in various school and district level capacities beginning as a high school co-op student, school administrative assistant, an elementary teacher, assistant principal, and principal in Detroit Public Schools Community District. After 12 years leading schools in Detroit, Dr. Echols took on the role of Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction in Pontiac School District. Dr. Echols is passionate about mentoring and coaching aspiring and veteran principals who serve Black and Brown students and brings a passion for equity and access to the Pontiac community. Her servant leadership allows her to be a "bridge builder" between schools, families, and communities with social justice priorities driving her decisions. These strong connections help her to understand her families and influence her students' success.
Dr. Echols completed her doctoral studies at Eastern Michigan University. Her research explores the diverse experiences of Black teen mothers and the resilience and self-efficacy they enact to defy deficit narratives and succeed academically.