LUMBERTON — March is a long-awaited month for many, as it signals the start of a new season, and for Jennifer Freeman, that exciting new season is retirement.
Freeman, who serves as PSRC’s Assistant Superintendent of Student Services, Intervention, and Support, will retire on February 28, closing a remarkable 40-plus year career in education and stepping into a season to flourish, grow and embrace all that life has to offer in retirement.
In her role as Assistant Superintendent, Freeman oversees programs that address the diverse needs of students—including Health Services, Student Services, Multilingual Learners, Family Engagement, Title I PreK, and the McKinney-Vento Program, all while providing a holistic approach to student success.
Jennifer Freeman’s career began as she first stepped into the classroom as a teacher in 1982. From there, she poured her heart into teaching and changing countless lives during her 14 year stint in classrooms of various schools including R.B. Dean, Southside-Ashpole and Oxendine elementary schools.
Her inspiration, her family
Though she first dreamed of a career in the medical field, Freeman has found joy and fulfillment in her career as an educator. Inspired by her mother, Janell Oxendine, who spent 33 years as a teacher assistant, Freeman entered the education profession with the same mission and motto.
“Always put God and children first. She said ‘if you keep those two things in your heart, you will be OK,’” Freeman told a reporter at The Robesonian, as she was named the 2004-2005 Principal of the Year for the Public Schools of Robeson County.
Freeman cherished that proud moment, remembering her mother’s lasting influence. She beamed with pride, imagining her mother smiling down from above. Freeman also remembered the joy her mother felt upon learning that she would serve as principal at Magnolia Elementary School.
“I have carried so many lessons learned from my mother into the classroom and into my leadership roles. Even now, I can still hear her voice guiding me and even advising me,” Freeman said.
Each day, as Freeman arrived at work, she also took with her a strong work ethic learned from her father, Kenneth Oxendine, and the tenacity, faith and prayerful habits of her loving grandmother Lena Maynor Chavis.
“She taught herself to read,” Freeman recalls of her grandmother. “She wanted to read the Bible.”
As a child, Freeman cherished those car rides to and from school where she learned the importance of faith and the power of daily prayer, one route at a time.
“I prayed every morning on the way to school,” she said. “She taught me the importance of God and loving others as God does.”
Prior to her principalship, Freeman served as an assistant principal at Rowland-Norment and Pembroke elementary schools.
“I will never forget my time as an assistant principal, it was a transformative period that truly shaped my leadership. Those years taught me the importance of listening, building relationships and putting students first in every decision. They laid the foundation for everything I would do as a principal and beyond,” Freeman said.
Freeman even spent time in schools across the state as an Educational Consultant with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.
Her impact
Throughout her career, Freeman has touched many lives. Among them are the lives of her colleagues and those with whom she has served.
School Health Services Supervisor Jan Newman shared words of gratitude for Freeman’s leadership.
“When Mrs. Freeman gave me the opportunity to lead School Health Services under her department, she did more than assign a role — she entrusted me with purpose. She gave me the opportunity to help ensure that our students are not only educated, but truly healthy learners. That work is a calling, and I believe God places people in our lives at just the right time to help shape our journeys,” Newman said.
“I truly believe the Lord used Mrs. Freeman as part of His plan for my professional growth. Her encouragement, wisdom and quiet strength gave me the confidence to lead independently while always knowing I had her support. That kind of leadership is rare,” she added.
Title I Pre-K Supervisor Jamie Flanagan also shared words about the impact Freeman has had on her and the department.
“I am thankful for her unwavering support and her steadfast commitment to doing what is right for students, staff, and families. Her guidance has made a lasting impact on the Title I Pre-K program and on my work, and I am sincerely grateful for her leadership,” Flanagan said.
PSRC Chief Communications Officer Jessica Sealey described Freeman as a “fierce advocate for children.”
“One thing I admire most about Mrs. Jennifer is that whenever we are planning for the future of our district and success of our students, she brings her expertise in student support and her experience as a classroom educator and school administrator to the table—and that perspective helps drive every conversation,” Sealey added.
Freeman has also strengthened educational opportunities for students across the district and overseen support services to help ensure every student succeeds.
“Mrs. Freeman has made a real difference in the lives of students and families across our district. We’re going to miss her energy, guidance and heart for the work, but we’re so grateful for everything she’s done and wish her all the best in her retirement,” said PSRC Superintendent Dr. Freddie Williamson.
“We pray that God will continue to bless her and her family as she takes the next step and turns the page to a new chapter of life: retirement,” Dr. Williamson said.
Accolades
Freeman’s leadership has earned her and the school district multiple accolades.
In 2024, under her leadership, the Public Schools of Robeson County’s Migrant Education Program received the 2023-2024 Migrant Education Outstanding Program Award from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.
The award followed the district’s receipt of the 2023 Continuous Program Improvement Award, when Freeman was presented a plaque in recognition of her outstanding leadership, commitment, and dedication to strengthening the district’s Migrant Education Program.
“I am so proud of the work that my department has accomplished and I count myself fortunate to have worked alongside so many incredible people who are driven by their love for our students, communities and our school district,” Freeman said.
She has also helped the district strengthen its Family Engagement Program and enhance family engagement nights.
Additionally, through Freeman’s leadership the district received a perfect audit during consolidated monitoring.
Throughout her remarkable career, Freeman has been recognized for her dedication to student success and educational excellence. She was honored as a Robeson County Teacher of the Year Finalist. Her commitment to leadership development was recognized through the NC Principal Fellows program, and she is a proud graduate of Project REAP (Recruiting Educators for Advanced Placement).
Under her guidance, Magnolia Elementary earned NCDPI’s School of Distinction designation, which drew national attention for its school turnaround work, and ranked among the Top 25 Most Improved Schools in North Carolina.
Freeman’s influence extended beyond her own school and district as she piloted district and school transformation initiatives in Columbus County, helping the district exit State Low Performing Status.
Her expertise has been further recognized through her selection to the School of Education Advisory Board at UNCP, solidifying a career defined by leadership, innovation and lasting impact on students and educators alike.
Lessons learned
As she prepares to step into her next chapter, she takes with her many lessons learned.
One of her greatest lessons learned is about the value of servant leadership.
“True leadership isn’t about titles or power, but about empowering others to succeed,” Freeman said.
Message to colleagues, former students
As Freeman prepares to step into a new chapter, she wishes to share a message with her staff, colleagues and former students.
“To my colleagues, students and staff, thank you for allowing me to be part of your journey. Working alongside you has been one of the greatest privileges of my career,” Freeman said.
“Each of you has taught me something about dedication, resilience, and the power of teamwork. My hope is that you continue to lead with integrity, learn with curiosity, and serve with compassion. Remember—true success is not just in what we achieve, but in how we uplift others along the way,” she added.
Hobbies and retirement plans
When she isn’t working, Freeman enjoys spending time with her friends and family, including her grandchildren Grace and Koa.
“In retirement, I’m most looking forward to spending more quality time with my family and friends—cherishing the moments that matter most. I also plan to stay active in the community by volunteering with various organizations,” Freeman said.
“Giving back has always been close to my heart, and I’m excited for the opportunity to serve others in new and meaningful ways,” she added.
Freeman