State leaders remember Dr. Barbara Nielsen

BEAUFORT, S.C. (WSAV) – South Carolina is mourning the loss of Dr. Barbara Nielsen, a former state superintendent of education.

She was the first woman elected to the state’s top education position in 1991.

Current State Superintendent Ellen Weaver remembered Nielsen as not only a “champion” of education but “a dear friend and mentor.”

“Barbara believed fiercely in the God-given potential of every student and dedicated her life to equipping them to reach it,” Weaver stated. “As a teacher, administrator, and State Superintendent, she was tough but fair, and she never lost faith in the hope found in a great education.

“Even in retirement, she never stopped fighting for students and teachers, most recently chairing SC’s Teacher Recruitment and Retention Taskforce in 2023,” the superintendent continued. “Her wit and wisdom will be greatly missed, but her shining legacy lives on forever in the lives of the students and state she served.”

Gov. Henry McMaster said Nielsen’s passing is “a profound loss for our state.”

“She was a dedicated leader and a true friend,” he said.

“As the first woman elected as South Carolina Superintendent of Education and the second as a constitutional officer, she was a true pioneer and an inspiration to many,” McMaster continued. “Her commitment to modernizing and reforming our education system transformed the lives of thousands upon thousands of our children.”

The governor said he’ll order the State House flags to be lowered to half-staff on the day of Nielsen’s funeral.

Sen. Lindsey Graham, a Republican, said the former superintendent was a GOP “trailblazer.”

“She was a passionate leader in education who was dedicated to every child,” he added. “Barbara was a great leader and an even better friend.

“We will miss her dearly. May she rest in peace.

Nielsen served as the state superintendent until 1999.