Recently, Lexington One’s Brandon L. Baskett, ED.D., director of The College Center, was named one of Columbia Business Monthly’s 2023 Best & Brightest 35 and Under.

Dr. Baskett is proud to serve as the founding director of the district’s The College Center, an early college program that provided rising ninth-grade students the opportunity to earn an associate in arts degree during high school. Students are immersed in a rigorous college-readiness curriculum, paired with high levels of academic and social-emotional support within Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) electives.

An experienced educator, Dr. Baskett has spent time teaching in the classroom, serving as assistant principals at Newberry and Lexington high schools, and serving as Lexington One’s dean for higher education services. 

In addition to serving Lexington One students, Dr. Baskett also created Seeds of Wisdom, a not-for-profit organization that mentors middle school and high school boys on the importance of integrity, discipline, education and ambition (I.D.E.A.). Dr. Baskett created the program based on his experiences in a single-parent home, with mentors during his education, and with another mentoring organization in Columbia.

Dr. Baskett believes in the importance of investing in education.

“Education is important because it allows individuals to go wherever they want to go. School should be a springboard for students to find their niche in life, allowing them to discover, explore and develop their interests. We all have different skills, talents, and expertise that create a diverse world,” said Dr. Baskett. “I am someone who cares deeply about helping people become the best version of themselves.”