Why I'm running
Nathaniel Canfall Jr has spent his career working with students at the moments that decide whether they finish. He has served as a college counselor, an admissions director, a mentor, and a coach.
His education
Nathaniel earned his GED, then continued his education at Benedict College, where he earned a bachelor's degree in Therapeutic Recreation with a minor in Rehabilitation Counseling. He later earned a master's degree in Counseling from Webster University.
A career in higher education
He began his professional career in higher education at Allen University as a Dorm Director, later advancing to Recruiter. He then joined Benedict College as a Counselor in the Counseling and Testing Department, where he worked directly with students facing academic, personal and developmental challenges, including students on academic probation and those at risk of not completing their education.
Nathaniel later returned to Allen University as Director of Admissions, where he led student recruitment efforts and supported programs focused on mentorship, personal development, and providing guidance and opportunity to young people.
Beyond the campus
His work with young people has never been limited to a college campus. Nathaniel has coached youth sports, mentored young people and worked in community efforts centered on personal development, decision making, life skills and violence prevention.
For 14 years, Nathaniel worked as a licensed barber and later became a barber instructor. Behind the chair and in the classroom, he built relationships with young people, parents and community members. He learned how much can change when someone listens.
For more than a decade, Nathaniel has also worked as a real estate professional serving individuals and families throughout the Midlands. That work has given him firsthand experience with families, neighborhoods, financial responsibility, negotiation, and the connection between strong schools and strong communities.
Through each chapter of his life and career, one belief has remained consistent: where a student starts does not have to determine where that student finishes.
As a candidate for the Richland School District Two Board of Trustees, Nathaniel believes in strong academics, safe and supportive schools, respected educators, engaged families, responsible use of public resources, and the personal development of every student. He is seeking the opportunity to bring his experience to the board, listen to the people it serves, ask the questions that need to be asked, and keep students at the center of every decision.