The North Carolina School Superintendents' Association (NCSSA) has announced the selection of Dr. Eisa Cox, Superintendent of Ashe County Schools, as the recipient of the Dr. Brad Sneeden Leadership Award. The award is presented in honor and recognition of a superintendent who has demonstrated a strong commitment to lifelong learning, unwavering integrity in leadership, and transformation of vision into action.

This annual award is presented to a graduate of the North Carolina School Superintendents' Associations’ Superintendent Executive Leadership Development Program, a program that is designed to empower transformational education leaders for North Carolina’s public schools. Dr. Cox was selected by former Brad Sneeden Leadership Award recipients.

The award is named in honor of Dr. Brad Sneeden, who was serving as Carteret County Schools' Superintendent at the time of his death in October, 2008 at the age of 56. Among the innovative efforts he brought to this district was the establishment of the Marine Science Academy, later renamed as a memorial to him, which exposes students to hands-on marine science activities.

Previously, Dr. Sneeden served as the Associate Vice-President for Leadership Development and Director of the Principals' Executive Program, the Deputy State Superintendent for the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and State Board of Education, an adjunct professor with the Department of Educational Leadership, and Director of the Office of School Services at East Carolina University, and as the Craven County Schools' Superintendent. Dr. Sneeden led with innovation and vision in preparing administrators for visionary leadership while never wavering from ethics of the highest order.

“Receiving the Dr. Brad Sneeden Leadership Award is a profound honor that reflects the collaborative efforts of our entire team in Ashe County Schools,” shared Dr. Eisa Cox. “It is humbling to be acknowledged alongside the distinguished superintendents and Dr. Sneeden, whose legacy of dedicated service and integrity I strive to emulate. I am deeply grateful to NCSSA, Mr. Jack Hoke, and my colleagues across North Carolina for their steadfast support. The insights and experiences gained from the Superintendent Executive Leadership and Aspiring Superintendent programs have laid a strong foundation for success. Heartfelt thanks to my Ashe County Schools family and the Board of Education for their unwavering support and tireless efforts on behalf of students. Being part of the extraordinary Ashe County team, dedicated to fostering a culture of lifelong learning and growth for all, is a true privilege. I also express my deepest gratitude to my husband, Kevin, and our sons, Spencer and Wyatt, for their unwavering support and understanding of the time dedicated to this role.”

“The Ashe County Board of Education congratulates Dr. Eisa Cox on being awarded the 2024 North Carolina School Superintendent’s Association, Dr. Brad Sneeden Leadership Award. This recognition is a testament to her unwavering dedication to Ashe County Schools and her exceptional leadership,” said Mr. Josh Roten, Chairman, of the Ashe County Board of Education.

“Under her guidance, Ashe County Schools have flourished, becoming one of the top school systems in our state. Dr. Cox's commitment to lifelong learning and her collaborative approach with stakeholders throughout Ashe County have consistently put our students, teachers, and staff’s best interests first.

The Ashe County Board of Education is immensely proud of her well-deserved achievement and the outstanding leadership she provides. Dr. Cox's vision and passion are truly inspiring, and we look forward to continuing to thrive under her guidance. Warmest congratulations once again go to Dr. Cox!”

In selecting the award winner, the following criteria were considered:

• Demonstrates vision and the ability to translate vision into specific goals. The recipient should be a person whose leadership has resulted in his or her district developing and/or implementing innovative programs and projects to benefit students.

• Demonstrates a strong commitment to life-long learning, focusing on the continuous improvement of his or her leadership skills.

• Demonstrate evidence of setting and achieving high standards of ethical conduct within his or her organization.

“Dr. Eisa Cox has served as superintendent of the Ashe County Schools for four years. She serves as a Thought Leader for the NCSSA Aspiring Superintendent Program, participates in the NCSSA Superintendent Executive Leadership Program, and has been elected to serve as Chairperson of the Northwest Regional Education Alliance for 2024-2025. She exemplifies the traits that guided Dr. Brad Sneeden's career in educational leadership. She has demonstrated a vision for the Ashe County Schools as an educational innovator and a strong commitment to continuous improvement and the highest standards of ethical conduct. She is a very deserving recipient of this award,” said Jack Hoke, NCSSA Executive Director.

Congratulations to Dr. Cox on this well-deserved recognition!