ABOUT US
Tishawna Hurns Dawson is the Founder and CEO of Shining Star Educational Services, where she brings more than 20 years of experience in education, tutoring, instructional design, youth development, and community-focused learning initiatives. A dedicated educator and training specialist, she has spent her career creating innovative, engaging, and student-centered learning experiences that empower children and young adults to excel academically and personally.
Tishawna is currently pursuing her Doctor of Philosophy in Public Policy and Administration at Mississippi State University. She holds a Master of Public Administration with a concentration in Nonprofit Management and Leadership from Auburn University Montgomery, and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Biology from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Her interdisciplinary training shapes her holistic approach to education, policy, and community impact.
Through Shining Star Educational Services, Tishawna designs high-quality instructional materials, multimedia learning content, and customized tutoring programs tailored to diverse learners. She collaborates with subject matter experts, develops multimedia and interactive educational tools, and delivers individualized academic support that helps students reach their full potential. Her expertise spans curriculum development, assessment creation, instructional coaching, and personalized learning strategies.
In addition to leading Shining Star, Tishawna serves as an Online Adjunct Instructor at the University of Florida, where she teaches Multimedia Design, and previously taught Social Media Management. She has also created and taught an online course in Intergovernmental Relations at Mississippi State University. Her academic roles include curriculum development, online instruction, student mentorship, and the integration of emerging technologies into teaching and learning.
Earlier in her career in Alabama, Tishawna worked as an educator in both formal and informal learning environments, including the McWane Center, Birmingham Public Schools, and Montgomery Public Schools, where she developed science-based curricula and facilitated hands-on educational programs. She has also served in research and consulting roles at Auburn University Montgomery and Troy University, conducting policy research, preparing analytical reports, and supporting community-focused initiatives.
Through Shining Star Educational Services, Tishawna continues her mission to inspire, educate, and uplift students across Mississippi and beyond—helping every learner become a “shining star.”