DR. JOSEPH RUSH, III - LAKE MARION HIGH SCHOOL '08

Dr. Joseph Rush, III: Charting a Course from Orangeburg to Innovation Through Leadership and Service

Growing up in Vance, South Carolina, a place where everyone knows your name and community spirit runs deep, Dr. Joseph Rush, III started his journey. As a Lake Marion High School graduate of 2008, Rush’s tale is not just one of personal success but of genuine connection and a drive to make a difference in a way that feels authentic to him. The backdrop of his youth, rich in community engagement and school spirit, shaped his ambitions and the way he viewed leadership and success.

For Rush, leadership wasn't just an idea, but a tangible goal, rooted in the day-to-day interactions and lessons learned in and out of school. His academic journey took him from the halls of Lake Marion High School to Claflin University, where he earned his undergraduate degree in 2012, embarking on a path that was fueled by more than just academic ambition. Rush's desire to lead by example showed that success is crafted through resilience, hard work, and the willingness to lend a hand. He furthered his education with a master's degree from South Carolina State University in 2015 and achieved his doctorate from Capella University in 2020.

The establishment of Cultivating Leaders in 2019 marked Rush's commitment to going beyond traditional forms of giving back. This initiative was more than just a means to distribute school supplies; it was a comprehensive mentorship program that actively engaged with students in schools. 

Through Cultivating Leaders, Rush and his team of volunteers mentor students, take them on enriching field experiences, and provide tutoring, ensuring that each student is matched with mentors who share their field of interest or similar passions. This hands-on approach is aimed at building a deep connection with students, nurturing their talents, and guiding them towards realizing their full potential.

Organizing back-to-school picnics at Santee Park or speaking at Lake Marion High School events, Rush aimed to keep things real. He wanted to show that “you can get there from here” not with grand speeches but with real stories, genuine advice, and practical help. His message wasn’t about changing the world overnight but about making consistent, small efforts that add up.

Now, as the Information Technology Product Manager in the Cloud Computing at Boeing South Carolina, Dr. Rush continues to apply the passion for science and math that was instilled in him at Lake Marion High School. He credits his education within the OCSD for laying the foundation of his success. It was here, amid the encouragement of teachers and the supportive environment, that his love for these subjects flourished, steering him towards a career that merges innovation with impact.

Dr. Joseph Rush, III’s story reflects a journey marked by personal achievement, yes, but also by a deep-seated belief in community and the power of showing up, being present, and contributing in ways that matter. From the halls of Lake Marion High School to the forefront of his community’s efforts to uplift and support, Rush’s path shows that making a difference starts with staying true to oneself and one’s roots, underscored by the crucial role of education in unlocking potential.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nECqN9KSZcU