Dr. Augustina West brings over 30 years of extensive experience and proven leadership as a visionary in the field of education. Her classroom expertise and community-driven advocacy have been instrumental in her focus on student success. She is the Visiting Assistant Professor/Site Director of St. John Fisher University’s Executive Leadership Doctoral Program at Iona University in Westchester, NY.
Before joining Fisher, Dr. West served as Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education in the East Ramapo Central School District, where she provided leadership across five secondary schools. In that role, she spearheaded district-wide initiatives that improved English Language Arts achievement, elevated graduation rates, and strengthened family and community engagement. Her efforts helped reimagine student success and foster inclusive, academically rigorous learning environments.
Dr. West’s career in education began in 1991 at William Howard Taft High School in the Bronx, where she ignited a passion for literature and lifelong learning among her students. She continued her teaching journey in Spring Valley, NY, before moving into school leadership as Assistant Principal at Ramapo High School. Across every position, she has brought a steadfast commitment to equity, ensuring that all scholars have access to the same resources and opportunities. She actively sought and incorporated scholar feedback into school policies and practices, promoting student voice, and set high expectations by setting ambitious academic goals for her students and staff.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from SUNY Albany, a Master of Science in Multicultural Education from Iona College (now known as Iona University), and a Master of Science in School Counseling from Long Island University. She earned her Doctorate in Executive Leadership from St. John Fisher University, where she conducted extensive research on educational leadership and equity. Her dissertation, “African American Women in New York State Who Overcame Barriers to Become Superintendents of Schools,” underscores her dedication to elevating underrepresented voices in educational leadership.
Dr. Augustina West received the 2024 Women of Distinction Award from Congressman Mike Lawler, the Arthur L. Walton Jr. Alumni Award for Distinguished Executive Leadership from St. John Fisher University, and the 2025 SHEROES Award from the East Ramapo Central School District. She has been honored and invited to speak about her work mentoring young scholars.
Beyond her administrative work, Dr. Augustina West is a committed mentor to aspiring leaders, especially African American women. She actively serves in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated as a member and chair of three committees. She is the First Vice President and a charter member of The National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa Incorporated, reflecting her deep commitment to service, social justice, and educational equity. Whether in a community event, classroom, district office, or university setting, Dr. Augustina West continues to inspire, advocate, and lead with purpose—building pathways to success for students, aspiring leaders, and communities across New York State and beyond.