EDUCATION.

Education is a multibillion dollar industry in North Carolina with a wide array of K-12 schools, robust public and private universities, and a 58-campus community college system. This section features some of its most notable leaders, whose success is considered essential for the state to make economic and social progress.

DARRELL ALLISON

chancellor | Fayetteville State University

Fayetteville

The Kannapolis native took his current post in March 2021 after serving on the UNC System Board of Governors from 2017 to 2020 and leading a Raleigh nonprofit that promoted K-12 school choice programs. At the historically black university, he's focused on retaining students, adding scholarships, and expanding programs for adults and military-connected students. He is a graduate of N.C. Central University and UNC Chapel Hill, where he earned a law degree.

CONNIE BOOK

president | Elon University

Elon

Book became Elon's first female president in 2018 after serving as provost of The Citadel. She previously spent 16 years at Elon as a professor and provost. She has degrees from Louisiana State and Northwestern State universities and a Ph.D. in mass communications from the University of Georgia.

Pre-workday motivation: I'm a big fan of starting the day with a spiritual reading and a walk outdoors. Being in nature--even if it is snowing!--helps clear my head.

Key to industry success: Strategic planning and execution keep higher education responsive to the dynamic needs of society. I enjoy imagining a future then building it.

Best advice: I have worked with so many helpful and generous people over the years. Here's one I use daily that I learned at The Citadel from seasoned veterans: "Co to the point of friction." In other words, don't shy away from the tough questions or situations --jump right in so you can work to keep advancing.

Proud family accomplishment: Both of my children are kind-hearted people. My daughter just finished law school at the University of Michigan and returned to North Carolina to practice. She is working at Legal Aid of North Carolina to make a difference. My son is returning to college to earn a graduate degree in student counseling. He has a gift for working with young people.

KELLI BROWN

chancellor | Western Carolina University

Cullowhee

The university's first female chancellor assumed her role in 2019. Since her arrival, there's been a continued student-centered focus and innovation in teaching. Before moving to North Carolina, the Southern Illinois University graduate was provost at Georgia College and State University in Milledgeville, Georgia.

SHARON CONTRERAS

superintendent | Guilford County Schools

Greensboro

Contreras has won kudos for helping close the graduation-rate gap between Black and white students and boosting academic achievement since coming to North Carolina in 2016. She is the first woman, first person of Latina heritage and first with a disability-she is deaf-to lead the system. She is taking a new job, CEO of Raleigh-based The Innovation Project, a collaborative of N.C. school superintendents, in August.

J. BRADLEY CREED

president | Campbell University

Buies Creek

Creed. 65, was a religion professor and provost at Samford University and the dean of Baylor University's seminary before being named Campbell's president in 2015. The Texas native holds master's of divinity and doctor of philosophy degrees from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Pre-workday motivation: Focusing on the key priorities for the day and working with colleagues to achieve the priorities that will advance our university.

Key to industry success: Staying true to your core mission while adapting new vision and seizing opportunities for fulfilling the mission amidst rapid and constant changes in society and the marketplace.

Best advice: Who you are is more important than what you do. Play the long game because life is a long obedience in the same direction.

Three people to share a meal: Saint Augustine of Hippo, Booker T. Washington and Theodore Roosevelt.

Proud family accomplishment: My family members have discovered and are living out their callings. In their own and unique ways, they are serving others, contributing to the common good and adding to human flourishing.

Favorite hobby: Anything that gets me outdoors and gets me moving--primarily running, hiking, backpacking, kayaking and bicycling.

Where to entertain a visitor: A meal at Campbell University then a tour of campus.

ERIC DAVIS

chair | State Board of Education

Charlotte

Davis joined the board in 2015 and became its chair in 2018. Previously, he was an elected member of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools board and the U.S. Green Building Advisory Council's Charlotte chapter board. A U.S. Military Academy graduate, he works as an engineer.

KANDI DEITEMEYER

president | Central Piedmont Community College

Charlotte

Deitemeyer, who is the college's fourth president, leads its six Mecklenburg County campuses. The University of South Florida graduate serves on the Charlotte Executive Leadership Council and was president of N.C. Association of Community...