The Full Story

Biography of Dr. Ken Austin

 

Dr. Ken Austin is a dedicated educator, coach, and community leader with over 25 years of experience in education and public service. His professional journey began in the Cobb County

School District, where he taught middle school mathematics at East Cobb Middle School and launched his coaching career at Wheeler High School. Today, he serves as a special education

teacher and head coach at Douglas County High School, a role he holds with deep pride. For Dr. Austin, teaching special education is a calling—an opportunity to serve the underserved and make a lasting impact on students’ lives.

Dr. Austin’s commitment to education is matched by his academic achievements. He holds a Bachelor’s of Science from Fort Valley State University, a Master’s of Arts in Education

Technology from Georgia College and State University, a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from the  University of West Georgia, an Educational Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Lincoln Memorial University, and an Educational Doctorate in Educational

Administration from South Carolina State University.

Passionate about education, Dr. Austin has served as a teacher as well as an administrator within the school building. Although Dr. Austin states his proudest moments are watching his students graduate with their High School Diploma, he can’t ignore being recognized as a finalist for Teacher of the Year for Metro Atlanta. Under his leadership as a school administrator, Dr. Austin was able to successfully roll out several new initiatives and capture “buy-in” from all school personnel. These initiatives yielded a decrease in disciplinary actions, fostered more community involvement, an increase in school partnerships, and an improved graduation rate. Passionate about developing the whole child, Dr. Austin utilizes his leadership talents as a basketball Head Coach. As a high school coach, Dr. Austin states he has coached countless athletes that have advanced their careers beyond high school into college (various levels) and professionally. Understanding each athlete’s unique abilities, Dr. Austin was able to sharpen his communication skills by hearing the individual needs of each player and fitting it into the vision of the “Team”.  His leadership style encourages collaboration, growth, and community building—qualities that have helped him become a respected figure in both educational and civic circles.  Dr. Austin also brings his talents and dedication to the public sphere, where he is committed to serving the residents of District 2 in the City of South Fulton. Dr. Austin has built quite a resume for himself by previously serving as Vice President of Baldwin-Milledgeville NAACP, 100 Black Men of Milledgeville-Oconee, Chairman of Baldwin County Board of Tax Assessors, and a member of Prince Hall Shriners just to name a few. Dr. Austin moved to South Fulton in 2006 and has resided in District 2 since 2011. Dr. Austin states he has always participated behind the scene in several community endeavors, including actively volunteering for South Fulton to gain its City’s Charter. Dr. Ken Austin has patiently waited and poised himself to take the reins and lead District 2 of City of South Fulton.