By james art 
From the small town of Lyman, South Carolina, the journey of Dr. James L. Moore’s success is one he attributes to his mother’s unwavering support and to 
Dr. James L. Moore III
On Saturday, Jan. 25, Moore — The Ohio State University (OSU) Distinguished Professor of Urban Education and Executive Director of the Todd Anthony Bell National Resource Center — was awarded the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina’s highest civilian honor. Carolina created in Palmetto created – Carolina’s highest civilian honor in South Carolina created in created in 1971. The prestigious award is presented by the governor to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding achievement, service and contributions and contributions of national or state significance.
Moore is also the Assistant Director of the Directorate of STEM Education at the National Science Foundation. With a budget of approximately $1.8 billion and nearly 200 employees, it helps lead the largest federal entity dedicated to funding educational research.
“To be honored and receive South Carolina’s highest civilian honor is so humbling,” Moore said in an interview with Diversity. “Service to humanity is the hallmark of the philosophy and in many ways it shapes who I am and what I stand for in my day. Everything I am and hope to be was shaped by my experiences growing up in South Carolina. “
Moore follows in the footsteps of other legendary South Carolina leaders who have received the honor, many of whom broke down racial barriers throughout history, paving the way for him and others to succeed. Moore said it’s not lost on him that he’s in the tradition of a long line of changemakers who have inspired him.
“The country has a complicated history, some of which are painful to contemplate, but it was there that my family, some of whom arrived as enslaved Africans, created a community out of the most difficult circumstances,” he said. “They built opportunities for people like me. South Carolina is special to me not only because of its rich and sometimes painful history, but also because nearly 50% of all black Americans can trace their roots here. ”
The state, he says, has created a legacy of excellence from singer James Brown and tennis great Althea Gibson to activist and educator Mary McLeod Bethune.
“I just want to make sure that I forever acknowledge and recognize the contributions and the giants that I stand on their shoulders,” said Moore, who pointed to the late Dr. Benjamin Elijah Mays – the former president of Morehouse College – as a model for excellence.
A nationally recognized expert on African-American men, Moore has had a distinguished career in higher education as a researcher and champion for diversity — both in his work at the National Science Foundation and at OSU. His work in diversifying STEM Fields has earned him international recognition.
His research spans multiple disciplines, including school counseling, urban education, and STEM. He has co-authored seven books and more than 160 publications, secured nearly $40 million in funding, and delivered over 200 scientific presentations worldwide. Moore’s contributions to education have earned him recognition, including being named one of the Education Week’s 200 Most Influential Scientists in the US since 2018.
Dr. Erlando Flor Jackson, dean of the College of Education and Foundation, a professor of education at Michigan State University, praised Moore’s impact, citing the ripple effect his leadership created within the American education system.
“Dr. “Moore’s influence extends far beyond his own achievement,” said Jackson, who has known Moore since his graduate student days and collaborated with him on a number of initiatives and projects, including the International Colloquium on Black Men in Education. “Through his leadership, he is empowering educators, policymakers and community leaders to reimagine what is possible with South Carolina,” Jackson said.
Moore’s focus on equity, inclusion and innovation “not only improved outcomes for today’s students, but also laid the foundation for a brighter future for generations to come,” Jackson added. “He is the kind of leader who sees potential in everyone and works tirelessly to help others realize their dreams. Whether mentoring a young scientist or speaking at a community event, Dr. Moore connects with people in ways that are deeply inspiring and transformative. “
Moore’s work focuses on closing opportunity gaps, increasing access to quality education, and addressing systemic barriers that disproportionately affect marginalized groups. Through his research and leadership, Jackson said Moore informed not only policy, but directly influenced educational practices that benefited everyone, including South Carolina.
Dr. Eric Tucker, president and CEO of the study group, agrees.
“His tireless dedication to inclusive excellence proves that a single visionary can unite and uplift entire communities, sparking transformative educational change at the secondary and post-entry levels,” said Tucker, who praised Moore’s efforts to help undergraduate students provide prestigious scholarships, including Rhodes and Truman Scholarships. As executive director of the Todd Anthony Bell National Resource Center on the African American Male, he revived OSU’s Early Arrival Program, offering mentoring and leadership opportunities to support young black men in their pursuit of higher education.
“From small-town education to the national and international stage, Dr. Moore has used his expertise to provide new opportunities and shape educational transformation in the United States and other parts of the globe,” Tucker said. “His leadership and forward-thinking approaches show how determination can bring communities together and open new doors for students in all zip codes, regions and jurisdictions,” he added.
And as much as you ask Moore about his own influences and success, he never forgets his family and the village that raised him. As one of three siblings, he remembers his late mother, Edna, whose sacrifice and love shaped her children’s lives in South Carolina.
“My mom did everything for her three kids, and my mom was an inspiration not only to me, but to those who knew her,” Moore said. “And even though she’s not here with me, she lives inside of me and she’s always told me that ‘family lives inside of you and everywhere you go, son, take family with you,’ so I can hear her.” She was the best coach I ever had. This is for her,” he said.