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Southeastern University (SEU) has announced that Sarah Rodgers will be serving as the director of the Robert & Sandra Graper Early Childhood Center, slated to open in the spring of 2027. Rodgers will oversee the launch of the center and its day-to-day operations, playing a crucial role in staffing, enrollment and program development. Rooted in a classical Christian education model, she will cultivate the center’s focus on whole-child development, creating a safe, nurturing environment for children ages 0-4. She will work closely with SEU’s College of Education and collaborate with local community leaders, stakeholders, parents and other organizations to drive partnerships and further the center’s mission of expanding access to high-quality early education. Rodgers will officially assume the position on June 1, 2026. With over 25 years of experience working with children and families, Rodgers was previously a teacher within the Polk County School system and the children’s pastor of Church For The ONE’s Highland Park campus in Lakeland. She has earned National Board Certification, the nation’s highest professional credential for teachers, and was named Teacher of the Year at three different schools. Most recently, Rodgers served as the executive director of Academy For The ONE, a Christian school in Lakeland offering faith-based early childhood education and after-school care to infants through fifth grade. She also serves on the Polk County School District Advisory Board, where she advocates for strengthening local education efforts. She has a bachelor’s degree in education from Florida Southern College and a master’s degree in elementary education from SEU. Learn more about SEU’s early childhood center here. This release is also available on the SEU Blog. About SEU Southeastern University (SEU) is a Christ-centered institution of higher learning. Founded in 1935 and located in the Central Florida community of Lakeland, SEU offers more than 120 degree programs including associate, bachelor's, master’s, and doctoral degrees. SEU’s reach expands beyond the Lakeland campus, with a comprehensive online learning program and more than 250 partner site programs worldwide. The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Learn more at SEU.edu. Skylar Worthington Communications Coordinator O 863.667.5360 E seworthington@seu.edu
Southeastern University (SEU) has announced that Sarah Rodgers will be serving as the director of the Robert & Sandra Graper Early Childhood Center, slated to open in the spring of 2027.
Rodgers will oversee the launch of the center and its day-to-day operations, playing a crucial role in staffing, enrollment and program development. Rooted in a classical Christian education model, she will cultivate the center’s focus on whole-child development, creating a safe, nurturing environment for children ages 0-4.
She will work closely with SEU’s College of Education and collaborate with local community leaders, stakeholders, parents and other organizations to drive partnerships and further the center’s mission of expanding access to high-quality early education.
Rodgers will officially assume the position on June 1, 2026.
With over 25 years of experience working with children and families, Rodgers was previously a teacher within the Polk County School system and the children’s pastor of Church For The ONE’s Highland Park campus in Lakeland. She has earned National Board Certification, the nation’s highest professional credential for teachers, and was named Teacher of the Year at three different schools.
Most recently, Rodgers served as the executive director of Academy For The ONE, a Christian school in Lakeland offering faith-based early childhood education and after-school care to infants through fifth grade.
She also serves on the Polk County School District Advisory Board, where she advocates for strengthening local education efforts. She has a bachelor’s degree in education from Florida Southern College and a master’s degree in elementary education from SEU.
Learn more about SEU’s early childhood center here.
This release is also available on the SEU Blog.
About SEU
Southeastern University (SEU) is a Christ-centered institution of higher learning. Founded in 1935 and located in the Central Florida community of Lakeland, SEU offers more than 120 degree programs including associate, bachelor's, master’s, and doctoral degrees. SEU’s reach expands beyond the Lakeland campus, with a comprehensive online learning program and more than 250 partner site programs worldwide. The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Learn more at SEU.edu.
Skylar Worthington Communications Coordinator O 863.667.5360 E seworthington@seu.edu