The term "mentor" is music to Professor Jan Hammond's ears.

In a career that has spanned more than 30 years, Hammond has conducted herself as a leader in educational administration. She has put the skills she learned as a principal and administrator to good use in the Educational Administration Department at New Paltz where she prepares the next generation of school leaders to take the helm as principals and superintendents.

"It is my duty and charge to help the next generation of school leaders make the world a better place," she said.

Hammond served as chair of the department for seven years, before relinquishing her role in 2006 to devote more time to her writing. She is working on three books aimed at addressing educational leadership on a national level.

Her career in education began as a sixth grade classroom teacher.  She then moved to the high school level where she taught choral music. Soon, she was leading the program as director of the school district's music program, having her students perform in notable places such as Montreal, Canada, Oxford, England, and New York's Carnegie Hall. Hammond's leadership experience hit a high note when she became principal at the Tuxedo Elementary School, a position she held for nine years. Ultimately, she would take charge of the business functions for the entire school district as business administrator.

Dedication to helping others achieve their best is what makes Hammond a great leader. Hammond believes everyone is a leader, but sometimes it takes a mentor to help uncover those leadership skills. She guides her students beyond the walls of the classroom, many of whom are teachers and administrators pursuing leadership roles in our public schools and colleges. Hammond has carried her insight into leadership to the state and national level over the years as president of several premier educational organizations.