NELA

Jan 28, 2025

NC State Educational Leadership Academy (NELA) Receives $14.4M From North Carolina Principal Fellows Commission to Sustain Program through 2032

For the past 14 years, the NC State College of Education’s nationally recognized NC State Educational Leadership Academy (NELA) has been preparing some of the most effective school leaders in North Carolina. Now, that work is set to continue through 2032 thanks to more than $14 million in funding from the North Carolina Principal Fellows Commission.

Sep 4, 2024

National Governors Association: State Policies That Support School Leadership Development and Support

In this webinar, Dr. Bonnie Fusarelli, Distinguished Professor, University Faculty Scholar & Executive Director of NC State’s Leadership Preparation Programs, shares an overview of the impact of principals and school leaders on student, teacher, and school success;

Aug 15, 2024

Meet Claudia Saavedra Smith ’17MSA, ’24EDD: ‘I Hope My Students Will Come Away with a Deep-seated Love for Learning and a Recognition of Its Value’

Claudia Saavedra Smith ’17MSA, ’24EDD, a two-time alum of the NC State College of Education, will return to the college during the 2024-2025 academic year as an assistant teaching professor…

Jul 22, 2024

Claudia Saavedra Smith ’17MSA, ’24EDD  to Join NC State College of Education as Assistant Teaching Professor of Educational Leadership

Claudia Saavedra Smith will join NC State’s College of Education as an assistant teaching professor of educational leadership, effective August 16, 2024.

Oct 18, 2023

Lauren Lampron ’14MSA, ’19EDD Named Director of North Carolina Principal Fellows Program

This October, Lauren Lampron '14MSA, '19EDD will become the new director of the North Carolina Principal Fellows Program, a state-supported, forgivable loan program that prepares future public school leaders.

Feb 23, 2023

Professor Bonnie Fusarelli Receives UNC System’s 2022 Governor James E. Holshouser, Jr. Award

Bonnie Fusarelli, NC State professor of educational leadership and of educational evaluation and policy analysis, has received the 2022 Governor James E. Holshouser, Jr. Award for Excellence in Public Service. The award honors faculty who exemplify the University of North Carolina System’s commitment to service and community engagement.

Dec 20, 2022

#WhyIChoseEducation: ‘What You Do as a Teacher, as an Educator, is You Get to Make an Impact on the Lives of Others That Can Last Their Entire Lifetime,’ Says Bennett Jones ’14MSA, ’19EDD

After more than two decades as an educator in North Carolina public schools, Bennett Jones '14MSA, '19EDD is stepping into a new role as the director of the North Carolina Teaching Fellows program.

Oct 26, 2022

EdNC: NELA celebrates 10 years of preparing principals

Bonnie Fusarelli remembers the first cohort of N.C. State University’s Educational Leadership Academy (NELA). She had a big jar in her office, and when that cohort graduated in 2012, she put a marble in for each new principal prepared. She told herself that when the jar was full, her work would be done. Instead, she got a bigger jar.

Oct 19, 2022

‘ I Knew They Did Things Differently:’ NC State Educational Leadership Academy Helps Educators Become Strong School Administrators

Graduates of the NC State Educational Leadership Academy (NELA) reflect on how the program prepared them to be an effective administrator, the lessons they still draw on in their roles and how they continue to support one another after graduation.

Apr 27, 2022

Jessica Richardson ’15, ’22MSA: ‘I Chose Education Because I Believe That Each Student Deserves an Exceptional Education from Champion Teachers Who Advocate for Them’

When Jessica Richardson ’15, ’22MSA decided she wanted to grow more as an educator, she enrolled in the NC State College of Education's School Administration program. Now, as she graduates, she feels she prepared her for the next step in her career, where she will serve as an assistant principal.