At the heart of Surge Institute’s mission lies a relentless commitment to cultivating, connecting, and elevating Black and Brown leaders who alter the trajectory of education. True transformation is rarely built overnight; it is an ongoing, multigenerational movement of visionaries stepping into spaces of power, bringing their authentic selves, and creating pathways for systemic change. 

Nowhere is this long-term ripple effect clearer than in the story of Butler College Prep, a campus of Noble Schools, the highest-performing network of open-enrollment high schools in Chicago.

The connection between Surge and Butler College Prep runs deep, anchored in a shared dedication to community empowerment and educational equity. That story begins with Surge alumnus Christopher Goins (CHI16), who served as the founding principal of Butler. Goins laid a ground-breaking foundation for the school—one built on high expectations, cultural affirmation, and an unyielding belief in the genius of South Side scholars. His leadership set a precedent for what happens when leaders of color are empowered to design educational spaces rooted in community love and excellence.

Today, that torch is not only being carried forward, but it is also illuminating broader pathways of system-level leadership across Chicago. Two remarkable Surge alumni at Butler have recently stepped into executive roles that extend their influence far beyond individual school walls.

Brian Riddick (CHI25), who served with distinction as Principal of Butler College Prep, was recently promoted to Deputy Chief of Schools. Throughout his tenure as principal, Riddick exemplified the visionary leadership that Surge fosters, cultivating a culture where both scholars and educators could thrive. In his new capacity as Deputy Chief of Schools, Riddick will leverage his school-level insights to guide, support, and scale impactful practices across multiple campuses, driving excellence for even more Chicago students.

Similarly, D. Nigel Green (CHI17) has continually expanded his footprint of innovation and care. Green was serving as an Assistant Principal at Butler when he completed his journey as a Surge Fellow. Driven by a deep commitment to student agency and organizational evolution, he was recently promoted to Chief Innovation Officer for Noble Schools. In this executive position, he is poised to shape the strategic trajectory of one of the city's largest public charter networks, driving forward systems, programs, and opportunities that center student success.

These milestones are far more than individual career achievements; they are powerful examples of Surge alumni expanding their influence across Chicago’s education ecosystem. When Christopher Goins planted the seeds at Butler, he initiated a legacy of leadership that Brian Riddick and D. Nigel Green are now carrying into central office and network-wide positions. As our alumni transition into roles that shape entire systems, they bring with them the core values, radical empathy, and community accountability nurtured during their Surge experience.

The story of Butler College Prep stands as a powerful testament to what is possible when Black and Brown brilliance is sustained and elevated, ensuring that Chicago’s young people inherit an educational ecosystem built for their liberation and success.

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