alumni awards

Feb 21, 2023

Casey Schulte ’12 ’17MED Celebrated as 2023 Burroughs Wellcome Fund Northeast Regional Teacher of the Year

Casey Schulte '12 '17MED has been named the 2023 Burroughs Wellcome Fund Northeast Regional Teacher of the Year. 

Feb 21, 2023

Tiffany Wynn ’16MED Celebrated as 2023 Burroughs Wellcome Fund Piedmont-Triad Regional Teacher of the Year

Tiffany Wynn '16MED has been named the 2023 Burroughs Wellcome Fund Piedmont-Triad Region Teacher of the Year. 

Nov 9, 2022

Johnny Crow ’62, ’68MS, ’85 EDD Named NC State College of Education’s 2022 Distinguished Alumnus

Johnny Crow '62, '68MS, '85EDD has always believed that everyone is a teacher. "We're all teachers to someone," Crow said. "That's the very purpose for being at NC State. It doesn't matter whether you're majoring in biology, molecular science, horticulture, engineering — there's someone that's always looking to you as their hero." 

Oct 18, 2022

Patrick Holmes ’12MSA Named 2022-2023 Person County Schools Principal of the Year

After implementing a dual language program and global approach to learning at South Elementary School, Patrick Holmes '12MSA has been named, for a second time, Person County Schools Principal of the Year. 

Nov 8, 2021

Valerie Bridges ‘02MSA, ‘10EDD Named NC State College of Education’s 2021 Distinguished Alumna

In recognition of her accomplishments, Valerie Bridges ‘02MSA, ‘10EDD, was honored at NC State University’s Evening of the Stars Gala, where she was named the NC State College of Education’s 2021 Distinguished Alumna. 

Jul 29, 2021

Nash County Public Schools 2021-2022 Principal of the Year Timothy Mudd ’13MSA Recognized for Success in Creating Opportunities for Students

Timothy Mudd ’13MSA wanted to coach high school basketball. But while that was his goal when he launched his education career, it didn’t take long for his purpose to change. His new purpose soon became ensuring all students, especially low-income students and students of color, received the opportunities they needed to succeed. 

Jul 14, 2021

Focus on Mentorship Leads to Laura Wilson-Wadsworth ’18MSA Being Named Franklin County Schools Assistant Principal of the Year

When Laura Wilson-Wadsworth ’18MSA was named Franklin County Schools Assistant Principal of the Year, she was overwhelmed by the emails, phone calls and socially distanced visits she received. Her favorite note came from a student she had mentored for over three years, a testament to the work she’s done mentoring students and teachers at Bunn High School. 

Jun 28, 2021

Wake County’s Diane Kent-Parker First-Year Teacher of the Year Sallie Allen ’20MAT Recognized for Focus on Flexibility, Advocating for Future Educators

Sallie Allen ’20MAT began her career as a teacher just as Hunter Magnet Elementary students returned to in-person learning. Her ability to be flexible while also advocating for future teachers led her to be named a Wake County 2020-2021 Diane Kent-Parker First-Year Teacher of the Year. 

Jun 28, 2021

Wake County’s Diane Kent-Parker First-Year Teacher of the Year Valerie Ahrens ’20MAT Recognized for Building Connections, Focus on Strengths-based Perspective

When faced with the challenges of remote learning, elementary school teacher Valerie Ahrens ’20MAT rose to the occasion. Her ability to build connections and her focus on a strengths-based perspective led her to be named a Wake County 2020-2021 Diane Kent-Parker First-Year Teacher of the Year. 

Jun 22, 2021

#WhyIChoseEducation: ‘A Quality Education is a Game Changer for All Children, But is a Dire Need for Children in Poverty,’ Says 2021-22 CCRESA Regional Superintendent of the Year Valerie Bridges ’02MSA, ’10EDD

When Valerie Bridges '02MSA, ’10EDD was growing up, she witnessed firsthand the impact a teacher could have on the lives of students through her mother, which inspired her to become an educator. As superintendent of Edgecombe County Schools, Bridges, who was named the 2021-22 CCRESA Regional Superintendent of the Year, shares why she chose education, why she chose the College of Education and how education has shaped her.