Elizabeth City State University’s Interim Chancellor, Dr. Catherine Edmonds, has been recognized with the prestigious 2024 President’s Lifetime Achievement Award for her unwavering dedication to advancing public education in North Carolina. With over 30 years of experience spanning primary, secondary, and higher education, Edmonds’ contributions have greatly impacted her community and beyond.
Established by President George H. Bush, the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award honors individuals who have significantly influenced their communities through service. It is the highest honor presented by the President of the United States in recognition of community service. The accolade acknowledges Edmonds’ efforts to enhance public education across the state.
Committed to Public Education
Before her role as interim chancellor at ECSU, Edmonds served as chief of staff at North Carolina Central University. Her legacy, however, extends far beyond this position.
Edmonds began her career as a high school math teacher and school principal in Granville County Schools. Her passion for elevating educational standards led her to serve as a director for the North Carolina New Schools Project and as an instructional improvement officer for Guilford County Schools. She further expanded her influence as superintendent of two northeastern North Carolina school districts.
Her commitment to public education also saw her take on various state-level roles, including state director of the North Carolina Principal Fellows Program and deputy state superintendent at the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. Throughout her diverse career, Edmonds has focused on professional development, providing coaching and technical assistance to aspiring school leaders in high-need schools, and leading reform initiatives aimed at turning around low-performing institutions.
In 2012, the District and School Transformation Team, under Edmonds’ leadership, received the State Superintendent’s Team Leadership Award for their exceptional success in improving educational outcomes.
Dr. Edmonds was honored during a ceremony at NCCU. The President’s Lifetime Achievement Award includes a lifetime pin, a medallion, and a letter signed by President Joe Biden.
Strong Ties to North Carolina
A proud first-generation college graduate, Edmonds has strong ties to North Carolina’s public higher education system. She earned her bachelor’s degree in mathematics education from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and completed graduate studies at North Carolina Central University and North Carolina State University. She holds both a master’s degree in educational leadership and a Doctor of Education degree in educational administration.
