Professional Development Lab School
Through a collaborative partnership between Columbus State University, Columbus Technical College, and Muscogee County School District, the Professional Development Lab School (PDLS) launched in the 2025–26 academic year at Dimon Magnet Academy. Grounded in shared commitments to student engagement and achievement, family and community engagement, experiential learning, and academic inquiry, the PDLS serves as a living laboratory where faculty, students, educators, and community partners work together to promote the well-being of students and families, advance student success, and strengthen the workforce, while also serving as a scalable model that can be adapted and replicated in other schools and communities.
Want to get involved at the PDLS? Please fill out the Become a Part of CSU's Professional Development Lab School at Dimon Magnet Academy Form or you can help by making a donation.
About Us
Our Vision
Through a collaborative effort, Columbus State University’s Professional Development Lab School (PDLS) at Dimon Magnet Academy enriches the community so that every student thrives.
Our Mission
The PDLS serves as a central hub for the community, prioritizing education and wellness. Together, we create opportunities for every student to thrive while serving, equipping, and empowering the community through research-based practices. To accomplish this, we will focus on:
- Student Engagement & Achievement
- Family & Community Engagement
- Experiential Learning
- Academic Inquiry
Our Core Beliefs
- Every student deserves a positive, transformative educational experience.
- Schools thrive when they are deeply connected to the families and communities they serve.
- Interactive, authentic learning experiences equip and empower individuals to lead with purpose.
- Academic inquiry guides our efforts to develop and enact data-informed practices that create a lasting impact in Columbus and the Chattahoochee Valley.
PDLS Newsletters
At the conclusion of each semester, the PDLS releases a newsletter highlighting shared success
PDLS Reports
Reports are posted to the PDLS website to honor our commitment to being for the community, by the community, ensuring our work, data, and progress remain accessible to all.
Contact Us
Dr. Pam Wetherington, CSU’s Director of Education & Community Initiatives
Email: wetherington_pamela@columbusstate.edu
Phone: (706) 507-8514