A Top Educational Leadership Preparation Program in U.S.*
*Out of over 774 principal preparation programs nationally, NC State is one of only 6 programs to ever earn the distinction of being named "Exemplary" by UCEA.
Learn about our graduates' impact
How We’re Preparing Exceptional Principals
NELA was one of two Principal Preparation Programs Featured for its Innovative Program in a Recent Publication by the Hunt Institute.
NC State University’s Educational Leadership Academy (NELA) seeks to increase student achievement by preparing and retaining principals in high-poverty, hard-to-staff, and historically low-performing schools. NELA creates a comprehensive leadership development and succession plan for NC high-need school districts. Each component is anchored in research-based best practices in leadership preparation and is designed to meet the specific contextualized needs of schools in North Carolina.
Our Updates
More StoriesNELA’s Dr. Lisa Bass & Dr. Lacey Seaton were named Associate Directors of UCEA’s CIRCLE, along with Dr. Tim Drake as part of the leadership team! With partner universities, NC State continues to support rural school leaders & improving student outcomes!
Matt Bristow-Smith (NELA III) and NC Principal of the Year (2019) shares his perspective on the importance of North Carolina public schools in an EdNC article.
Dr. LaAlice Hopkins (NELA IV) has written a children’s book titled “Ben and Waffle: Best Friends.” Congratulations, LaAlice!
89% of schools with a NELA graduate serving as principal met or exceeded growth between 2018 – 2024 vs. only 74% of principals across all schools in the state reaching the same level of performance.
