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Faculty and Staff

NC State’s Bonnie Fusarelli Wins Holshouser Award

The professor of educational leadership and of educational evaluation and policy analysis is honored for her transformative work supporting educational leaders across North Carolina.

Professor Bonnie Fusarelli, pictured with NC State Chancellor Randy Woodson, received the 2022 Governor James E. Holshouser, Jr. Award for Excellence in Public Service during the Feb. 23 meeting of the University of North Carolina Board of Governors.

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.

A University Faculty Scholar in NC State’s College of Education, Fusarelli is a champion for school leaders across the state. Her research focuses on educational leadership and policy, the politics of school improvement, educational equity and organizational change.

“In all of her efforts for the people of North Carolina, it is clear that Dr. Fusarelli maintains a level of grace and respect for the children and citizens she is serving,” says NC State Chancellor Randy Woodson. “She is passionate about improving the lives of others in our state and views her work to prepare educational leaders as a calling.”

Fusarelli has secured more than $41 million in grant and private funding for programs to support the state’s educational leaders. She also has collaborated with the North Carolina General Assembly and local school systems to address needs for strong principal preparation programs and alternative licensing.

She is program coordinator for NC State’s Educational Leadership program and director of NC State’s Leadership Academies, which are nationally recognized as innovative and effective at preparing school leaders for high-need schools.

“Dr. Fusarelli has shown profound dedication to developing leaders who will serve North Carolina students and make a positive impact on their lives,” says UNC Board of Governors Chair Randy Ramsey. “Today, the principals and superintendents who complete Dr. Fusarelli’s programs have track records that show improved student outcomes at the schools where they serve. On behalf of the Board of Governors, it is my honor to recognize Dr. Fusarelli’s work with this award.”

Fusarelli earned her bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Texas at Austin, a master’s in school leadership from the Universit of Texas at San Antonio and her Ph.D. in educational administration from The Pennsylvania State University.