Elizabeth “Libby” Schmoke Randolph, was a trailblazer in leadership at Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools during the transformative 1960s to 1970s. Libby’s remarkable journey from a pioneering teacher to the first African American female Assistant Superintendent left an indelible mark on the educational landscape, shaping the lives of countless students.
Early Life and Education
Born into an extraordinary family, Libby’s father, John Hagan Schmoke, a carpenter, instilled the value of education in his six children. Her mother, Pearl Johnson Schmoke, a teacher, greatly influenced Libby’s passion for learning. Libby attended Shaw University, the first HBCU to achieve university status in 1873, where she graduated and embarked on her teaching career across various areas in North Carolina.
Teaching Career
In 1944, then superintendent, Dr. Elmer Garinger, hired her to teach at West Charlotte High School, where her impactful presence went beyond English classes. A beloved teacher by all, she also supervised the drama program and Student Council, fostering a connection with her students that would shape her future endeavors.
In a pivotal move during the era of segregation, Dr. Garinger appointed Libby as the founding principal of the new University Park Elementary School. This position was of significant importance in the era of segregation and highlighted her commitment to providing quality education to her students.
Life in McCrorey Heights
In 1959, Libby and her husband John D. Randolph, a maintenance supervisor at Charlotte’s Brookhill Village apartment homes, gained a permit to build the house at 1616 Patton Avenue. Despite personal challenges, including the loss of her husband John in 1963, Libby Randolph’s commitment to education persevered. The 1960s brought significant societal changes with the War on Poverty and civil rights legislation, impacting her work and shaping the educational landscape. This continued influence and support that she showed for her students and their families is still felt today.
Making History in CMS
In the 1970s, Libby ascended to the role of Assistant Superintendent, becoming the first African American female to co-lead the Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools district. Her exceptional achievements were celebrated when she received the prestigious WBT Woman of the Year award, one of the city’s highest honors.
Legacy and an Enduring Impact
Elizabeth Schmoke Randolph Building
Libby Randolph’s legacy lives on through the main building of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools administrative campus, named in her memory. Her commitment to education, dedication to equality, and profound influence on students and families continue to resonate, making her an enduring inspiration whose impact is felt today.
Elizabeth “Libby” Randolph’s life and career exemplify the transformative power of education and leadership. Her trailblazing spirit continues to inspire current and future generations to strive for excellence and equity in education, ensuring that her enduring legacy remains an integral part of Charlotte’s educational history.
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