Honors and Awards

Jul 20, 2026

Doctoral Student Jennifer Macko ’20MAT Receives Organization for Autism Research Graduate Research Grant

Jennifer Macko ’20MAT, an NC State College of Education doctoral student earning a Ph.D. in the Teacher Education and Learning Sciences educational psychology concentration, has been selected as one of 12 graduate students worldwide to receive an Organization for Autism Research (OAR) Graduate Research Grant.

Jennifer Greene poses with her family and holds her Principal of the Year award.

Jul 8, 2026

Jennifer Greene ’04 Named Hickory City Schools Principal of the Year

Jennifer Greene’s commitment to her students, as well as to her staff and school community, were recognized earlier this year, when she was named the Hickory City Schools Principal of the Year.

Jul 8, 2026

Study from Associate Professor Jackie Relyea Wins International Literacy Association Outstanding Article Award

An article co-authored by NC State College of Education Associate Professor of Literacy Education Jackie Relyea has received an International Literacy Association Outstanding Article Award.

NC State was ranked No. 1 in NC, #22 in the U.S. and #64 in the world in U.S. News' Best Global Universities: Education and Educational Research subject rankings

Jun 16, 2026

U.S. News Global Rankings: NC State #1 in NC, #22 in US and #64 in World in Education and Educational Research

U.S. News & World Report ranks NC State University #64 in the world in the education and educational research category in its 2026-2027 Best Global Universities Subject rankings, making it the top-ranked university in North Carolina in the field of study. Among all colleges in the U.S., NC State ranks #22.

William Wynn III poses with his Thomasville City Schools' Principal of the Year plaque.

Jun 16, 2026

William Wynn III ’16EDD Named Thomasville City Schools’ Principal of the Year

William Wynn III '16EDD pursued a career as a school leader to make sure every student in the building — not just those in his classroom — had the opportunity to be successful. Now, his impact as a school administrator has been recognized with Thomasville City Schools’ 2026 Principal of the Year Award.

Professor Temple Walkowiak receives her Alumni Distinguished Graduate Professorship award.

Jun 1, 2026

Professor Temple Walkowiak Receives NC State’s Alumni Association Distinguished Graduate Professorship Award

Professor Temple Walkowiak’s commitment to her students has been recognized with NC State’s Alumni Association Distinguished Graduate Professorship Award, which recognizes outstanding graduate-level teaching across the university.

May 20, 2026

College of Education Alum Chelsea Smith ’23PHD Wins College of William & Mary’s Shirley Aceto Award

NC State College of Education alum Chelsea Smith ’23PHD has been selected to receive the Shirley Aceto Award, one of the College of William & Mary’s highest honors that recognizes exceptional commitment to the university’s values, outstanding individual service and leadership.

A group of people take photos of Mariah Walker as she receives her Wells Fargo Principal of the Year Award

May 19, 2026

Mariah Walker ’06, ’10MED, ’12MSA, ’24EDD Named 2026 North Carolina Wells Fargo Principal of the Year

Mariah Walker ’06, ’10MED, ’12MSA, ’24EDD, a four-time graduate of NC State’s College of Education and the principal of Wake Young Women’s Leadership Academy, has been named the 2026 Wells Fargo Principal of the Year.

May 15, 2026

Assistant Professor Amato Nocera Selected as National Academy of Education/Spencer Postdoctoral Fellow

Amato Nocera, an assistant professor in NC State’s College of Education, has been selected to join the prestigious National Academy of Education (NAEd)/Spencer Postdoctoral Fellows program.

Professor Dennis Davis stands with College of Education Dean Paola Sztajn as he receives an award.

May 14, 2026

Professor Dennis Davis Wins College of Education’s Faculty Strategic Excellence Award

Professor of Literacy Education Dennis Davis has been selected as the 2026 recipient of NC State College of Education’s Faculty Strategic Excellence Award.