Leon Borders ’22MSA: ‘Having the Opportunity to Witness the Impacts on Students, Parents and the Entire Community Continues to Motivate Me to Give More Abundantly’

Leon Borders ’22MSA believes education is a gift to humanity. After spending 15 years in the field, he wanted to have a bigger impact on students and the community through a role in educational leadership. 

Now, as he graduates with his Master of School Administration, he is hoping to use what he has learned during his time in the NC State College of Education to create a system of change that will help keep teachers in the classroom.

Learn more about Leon Borders

Hometown: Tallahassee, Florida

Degree: Master of School Administration

Activities (Research or Extracurricular): Research interests – Human Interaction | Extracurricular interests- photography and bowling

Why did you choose the NC State College of Education?

I chose North Carolina State University because of the university’s ongoing commitment to education. Throughout the years, NC State has been an integral part of conversations that have continually engaged the nation to work toward the advancements of all topics in education. 

Why did you choose your area of study?

Already having spent 15 years in education, educational leadership was simply the natural progression. 

What do you hope to accomplish in your field after graduation?

I hope to create a system of change that reverses the current trend of seeing educators leave the profession at an alarmingly high rate. 

What’s your next step? What do you have planned after graduation? 

Upon graduation, I look to return to Cumberland County Schools and obtain a leadership position at the elementary or middle school level. 

How has the College of Education prepared you for that next step?

The College of Education has prepared me for these next steps by creating educational experiences that have been hands-on and practical. The College of Education has connected me with other educational professionals, which has enabled me to see trends from a national perspective. 

Do you have a favorite memory from your time in the College of Education?

During my studies, my favorite memory was having the opportunity to attend the ASCD Conference in Chicago, Illinois, with my Cumberland Cohort. The amount of time we spent learning from individuals certainly gave me the opportunity to recharge and reconnect. During this trip, I was able to engage in so many conversations with professionals that continue to make a difference around the world. 

Tell us about an experience you had with the College of Education that had the biggest impact on you or your career.

During my second semester, my cohort had the honor of completing a course centered around race relations facilitated by Assistant Professor Jenn Ayscue. Spending time studying race at a time where racial tensions and injustices continued to plague our nation, revealed how naive I’d become concerning other’s perspective of race. I was able to gain insight into the devices of systematic racism and even my own biases. These learning experiences most certainly were a cornerstone of my learnings. 

Why did you choose education?

I chose education as I feel this profession is a gift to humanity. Having the opportunity to witness the impacts on students, parents and the entire community continues to motivate me to give more abundantly.