Dr. Jackson selected for the Dr. Samuel Houston Award

Pictured: (Left to Right – Dr. Sam Houston, President and Chief Executive Officer of the North Carolina Science, Mathematics, and Technology Education Center; Dr. Rob Jackson, Edenton-Chowan Schools Superintendent; Jack Hoke, NCSSA Executive Director)

PRESS RELEASE

March 21, 2019

The North Carolina School Superintendents' Association (NCSSA) and the North Carolina Alliance for School Leadership Development (NCASLD) has announced the selection of Edenton-Chowan Schools Superintendent Dr. Rob Jackson as a recipient of the Dr. Samuel Houston Leadership Award. This award is traditionally presented to graduates of the North Carolina School Superintendents' Association and the North Carolina Alliance for School Leadership Development's Aspiring Superintendent Program, a program which is designed to empower transformational education leaders for North Carolina’s public schools. Dr. Jackson has served as a Thought-Partner/Mentor for the program since its inception and received this award in recognition of his dedication and service to the program participants.

Dr. Jackson is the only person to receive both the Dr. Brad Sneeden Superintendent Leadership Award and the Dr. Samuel Houston Leadership Award.

The award is named in honor of Dr. Samuel Houston, Jr. who is President and Chief Executive Officer of the North Carolina Science, Mathematics, and Technology Education Center. Dr. Houston served as superintendent of the Mooresville Graded School District for ten years where he opened the first year round school in North Carolina. Dr. Houston has been a champion for strategic planning, student performance and accountability, meeting the needs of the 21st century workforce, skills for the STEM world and building education partnerships. Dr. Houston also served as the first executive director of the University of North Carolina Center for Leadership Development.

Dr. Houston was awarded the Jay Robinson Leadership Award as an Exemplary Educator for his outstanding contributions to statewide public K – 12 education. He also earned the RJR-Nabisco Foundation's China Breaker Award for implementing educational change. He has been inducted into the Appalachian State University Reich College of Education's Rhododendron Society and the East Carolina University's Education Hall of Fame and has received the Distinguished Career Award from the University of North Carolina – Greensboro School of Education. On March 30, Dr. Houston will be inducted into the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics’ NC STEM Hall of Fame.

NCSSA Executive Director Jack Hoke said, “Dr. Jackson exemplifies the traits that have guided Dr. Sam Houston's career in educational leadership. His commitment to continuous improvement, high standards of ethical conduct, strategic planning, improving student performance and meeting the needs of the 21st century workforce is very apparent. Dr. Jackson’s advice and mentorship for Aspiring Superintendents has been instrumental in their growth as educational leaders. I am very proud of Dr. Jackson and appreciate his leadership in this program and in the field of education.”

Upon receiving the award, Dr. Jackson shared, “During my career I have been blessed to have amazing mentors. Each guided me and helped me grow as they shared their time and wisdom with me. I greatly appreciate the opportunity to pay-it-forward through serving as a Thought-Partner in the Aspiring Superintendent Program. I am convinced that I receive more than I give as I spend time with Dr. Sam Houston, Jack Hoke and the amazing leaders who have been a part of this tremendous program.”

Comments from Program Participants:

"The advice, wisdom, and mentorship given by Dr. Rob Jackson as a Thought Partner demonstrated his commitment to future leadership in North Carolina. Listening to his strategic and innovative approach to challenges in the superintendency was outstanding. His advice on how school districts can leverage the power of social media by way of telling their story and leaving a strong digital footprint, was relevant to the operation of school systems in the 21st century. My colleagues and I are so fortunate to know that we have a leader of Dr. Jackson's caliber as a Thought Partner for the duration of our career." – Dr. Steve Lassiter, Assistant Superintendent, Pitt County Schools

“Dr. Jackson is among the few who I consider to be a leader of leaders and through the Aspiring Superintendent’s program, he, like Jack Hoke and Dr. Houston, has multiplied his positive influence as a thought partner and mentor. I am thankful for the daily wisdom Dr. Jackson shares on social media, the time he has invested in growing our cohort, and I admire him as a person. Dr. Jackson is thoughtful, inspiring and what educational leaders should strive to be. He is most deserving of this award.” – Dr. Eisa Cox, Executive Director, Rowan-Salisbury Schools

"It has been a thought provoking experience to have Dr. Jackson as a thought partner and mentor through the Aspiring Superintendents' Program. His experience and genuine care for others shows as he speaks to and provides insight to those who aspire to be superintendents. Above all, he has stated several times he is with us for life as a guide and above all a friend". – Dr. Tim Harrell, Assistant Superintendent, Wayne County Schools

“It was an honor to have Dr. Jackson as a thought partner and mentor throughout the Aspiring Superintendent's Program. Not only did he build personal relationships with each mentee, but he was truly invested in each of our success. He built on his experiences as a district leader to provide real-world examples and scenarios that helped us apply what we had learned in the program.” – Dr. Kim Schroeder, EPIC Grant Administrator, Union County Public Schools

“Dr. Jackson's service as a Thought Partner with the Aspiring Superintendents Program continues to exemplify his investment in the future leadership of our public schools. His energy, enthusiasm, and passion for public education motivate and inspire those of us who seek to learn from the most effective leaders in our profession.” – Dr. John Bryant, Associate Superintendent, Henderson County Schools