OCA Calendar | 2/10/2026 7:14:00 PM

Mount Pleasant, S.C. — Oceanside Collegiate Academy (OCA) is pleased to announce the hiring of Dr. Kelly Linkenhoker as the school's new Principal. Dr. Linkenhoker brings more than three decades of experience in education and a proven record of elevating academic achievement, strengthening school culture, and building high-performing leadership teams.

Dr. Linkenhoker was unanimously selected following a rigorous nationwide search and review of more than 75 potential candidates.  The selection committee, comprising of OCA Board members, Pinnacle Management, OCA Athletic Director, and OCA 2025 Teacher of the Year.

Dr. Linkenhoker joins OCA from Salem City Schools in Salem, Virginia, where she most recently served as Principal of Salem High School. During her tenure, she designed and led teams of educational leaders, collaborated closely with staff, families, and community stakeholders to establish a shared mission and vision, and implemented clear performance goals while maintaining rigorous curriculum standards. Her leadership emphasized trust, transparency, and open communication.

With extensive experience as a high school principal, district leader, instructional supervisor, and coach, Dr. Linkenhoker led a comprehensive transformation at Salem High School. Over three years, the school experienced measurable growth in academic expectations, student conduct, attendance, and instructional quality. Under her leadership, Salem High School rose from 208th to 48th statewide and from 11th to 2nd in the Roanoke Valley, according to U.S. News & World Report (2025–26).

Dr. Linkenhoker holds a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership and Organizational Behavior from Vanderbilt University, along with master's degrees from Radford University and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. She also holds multiple certifications, including Division Superintendent and Administrative Licenses, and is trained in literacy leadership, dyslexia support, and LETRS instruction.
 
"Dr. Kelly Linkenhoker is a proven, people-first leader who knows how to build strong schools and even stronger cultures," said Chris Swisher, Board Chairman of Oceanside Collegiate Academy. "She brings deep experience, contagious energy, and an unwavering commitment to putting students and teachers first. Kelly leads with authenticity and transparency, setting high expectations while building trust and belonging. We are thrilled to welcome a principal whose leadership, character, and vision align seamlessly with Oceanside's mission and long-term strategic direction."

Dr. Linkenhoker said she is honored to join the OCA community.

"I am deeply honored to join the Oceanside Collegiate Academy Family. OCA is a special place where students are known, teachers are valued, and families and community partners are true collaborators in the work of education. I come to this role with a heart devoted to supporting teachers, inspiring our students, and partnering closely with our families as we build on the strong foundation and traditions already in place. Together, we will honor the mission and vision that make OCA unique while elevating our academics, athletics, and student pathways, ensuring every Landshark is prepared, confident, and proud of their path ahead. I look forward to building a culture of trust, high expectations, and opportunity for all."

Dr. Linkenhoker's first day at OCA is scheduled for July 1, 2026.

Message from USC head football coach Shane Beamer.

About Oceanside Collegiate Academy: Oceanside Collegiate Academy (OCA), located in Mt. Pleasant, S.C., serves high school students in a safe, small and family-centered setting. Our students seek the opportunity and challenge of rigorous curriculum, high academic standards and elite athletics while earning up to two years of college credit. OCA serves students in grades 9-12 using an honors curriculum in 9th and 10 grades with a dual enrollment curriculum in 11th and 12th grades Learn more about OCA by visiting our website at OceansideCollegiate.Academy and by following us on social media on Facebook, Instagram and X. For video content, visit our YouTube channel.