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 StoriesDr. Kendrick Alston (NELA Cohort II 2013 & NC State EdD graduate) shares about his career path and experience in the NELA program in this NC State College of Education article.
Matthew Hickson (DPLA 2018) has been working on the Modern Classrooms Leadership Summit and invites NELA graduates and current NELA students to attend! Click for more information.
Michael Warholick (Durham/Wake 2023) is 1 of 12 educators selected for the North Carolina Museum of Natural History Educators of Excellence South Africa Institute. The experience is focused on studying the ecosystems and connecting with South African educators.
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.
