Lara Kolb Pd.D., Ed.D., M.A., B.A.
Lara Kolb is currently the Director of Adult Education for Clarendon County, where she leads initiatives to enhance educational access and success for adult learners. With over three decades of experience in education, Lara is deeply passionate about empowering students of all ages. Under her leadership, the program has earned national recognition, including a Program Enrichment award and an Excellence in Local Programming award, distinguishing itself among thousands of programs across the country. <BR> <BR> An engaging speaker and dedicated advocate, Lara recently shared her insights at a national education conference, further positioning herself as a thought leader in adult education. She combines strategic vision with hands-on leadership to design meaningful programs that meet her learners’ diverse needs. Throughout her career, Lara has cultivated strong community partnerships, championed innovative instructional methods, and remained committed to promoting lifelong learning and personal growth.
• University of South Carolina- B.A. Latin
• Columbia College- B.A. English/Language Arts
• University of Phoenix- Master's
• George Mason University- M.A. Educational Leadership and Administration
• Walden University- P.H.D.
• South Carolina State University- EdD
• Rotary
• SCAACE
• SCASA
• National Alternative Education Association
• Phi Delta Kappa
• ASCD
• International Literacy Association
• Daughters of the American Revolution
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute much of my success to my ability to connect with students who need a second chance and a supportive path forward in their education. Throughout my career, I’ve taught all grade levels across seven different states, which has given me a broad perspective and a deep understanding of diverse student needs. This experience has helped me develop a niche in working with learners who may have struggled in traditional settings, and I find great fulfillment in helping them realize their potential and achieve academic success.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received was to “document everything.” This guidance was passed on to me by some of the most trusted mentors in my career, and it has proven invaluable over the years. Whether it’s tracking communications, recording decisions, or maintaining detailed notes, thorough documentation has helped me stay organized, protect my work, and support accountability in every professional setting.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is: don’t be afraid to take the leap and step beyond the classroom. Transitioning into leadership roles doesn’t mean leaving your impact on students behind—you carry their voices, experiences, and needs with you into every decision you make. Embrace opportunities that challenge you and expand your influence. Leadership roles may seem intimidating at first, but they are powerful platforms to drive change, advocate for others, and grow both personally and professionally. Believe in your ability to lead and know that your perspective is not only valuable—it’s needed.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
One of the values I’ve come to deeply appreciate in both my work and personal life is the importance of diplomacy. Learning to remain composed, especially in situations where I may not agree with every idea or decision, has been essential to maintaining professionalism and building strong, respectful relationships. I’ve learned that listening with intention and responding thoughtfully—rather than reacting impulsively—creates a more productive environment. Interestingly, during the COVID-19 pandemic, wearing a mask served as a literal and symbolic reminder to pause, reflect, and choose my responses carefully. This experience reinforced the value of emotional intelligence and self-awareness in leadership and collaboration.
Locations
Clarendon County Adult Education
Maning, SC 29102