Crystal M. Edwards
Dr. Crystal M. Edwards has an extensive and diverse background in leadership with a focus on early childhood education, K-12 public schools, administrative and certification programs, biomedical research, healthcare, and undergraduate and graduate programs. She is passionate about inspiring leaders of all ages, especially those from underrepresented groups with untapped potential and limited resources. Helping people discover and master their gifts and talents while watching them enhance their personal and family lives, strengthen their organizations, and contribute to their communities brings her joy.
In 1987, she began her career in NJ as a high school science teacher. She taught everything from earth science to AP chemistry, was a role model for future teachers, and trained her chemistry students to facilitate mini-science lessons for elementary students.
Beyond the classroom, she energized student life as a varsity cheerleading coach, choreographer for marching band performances, and leader of the school’s competitive chemistry team. She frequently partnered with local universities to teach Upward Bound and biomedical science programs designed specifically for minority students. When she was not teaching, Dr. Edwards spent her summers in research labs studying chronic diseases that disproportionately affect African American women, specifically cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, and Alzheimer’s disease.
In 2001, she began her career in administration as a math and science supervisor and steadily took on greater roles such as coach, mentor, director, professor, researcher, entrepreneur, CEO, assistant superintendent, and superintendent in New Jersey.
In 2016, Dr. Edwards launched Crystal Educational Consulting LLC, where she teaches, coaches, and mentors those who aspire to be leaders. Many of her students and colleagues successfully achieved their goals, advanced their careers, and obtained additional degrees and certifications.
In 2018, Dr. Edwards moved to Lynchburg, where she served as the 13th Superintendent for Lynchburg City Schools (LCS) and was the first woman to hold this position in the division’s 150-year history. She is most proud of the expansion of the PreK program to include 3-year-olds, the partnerships with local colleges and businesses, and the growth of the CTE programs.
Having retired from Lynchburg City Schools in 2024, Dr. Edwards joined the faculty of the School Leaders Institute and continues to serve on the boards of the YMCA of Central Virginia and the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities. She is also a member of the Lynchburg Road Runners and SPHEX Clubs and enjoys spending time with her family hiking, biking, skiing, and running
Education
- B.S.- Secondary Education, Penn State University
- M.S.- Chemistry, Rutgers University
- Ed.D.- Educational Leadership, Management, and Policy, Seton Hall University