Dr. Travis Reeves to lead NCASA, and other NCASA awards and news
Dr. Travis Reeves, the superintendent of Surry County Schools, has been named the incoming executive director of the North Carolina Association of School Administrators (NCASA).
Reeves has served as superintendent since 2013, and he is highly regarded for his focus on student success, workforce readiness, and community partnerships. He recently announced his retirement as superintendent, effective June 30.
Dr. Stephen Fisher, NCASA’s president and the superintendent of Cleveland County Schools, said Reeves “is well-equipped to move the organization to the next level and continue building on NCASA’s impressive legacy during the past 50 years in public school leadership.”
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According to the press release, for more than three decades, Reeves has dedicated his life to public schools, beginning as teacher and coach and then as an assistant principal and principal. He served as superintendent for Ashe County Schools prior to joining Surry County Schools in 2013.
Reeves is known statewide for his strong partnerships with regional education and business leaders to form Surry-Yadkin Works, a pre-apprentice/apprenticeship program that matches a student’s career interests to business and industry.
“I am deeply honored to serve as executive director of the North Carolina Association of School Administrators,” said Reeves. “This historic organization represents the very best of public education leadership, and I consider it a privilege to advocate for a profession that has meant so much to me and my family.”
“Public education,” he continued, “is a cornerstone of our democracy and serves as the great equalizer, bringing students from all backgrounds together to learn, grow, and succeed. I look forward to meeting our members across North Carolina, listening closely to their needs, and working alongside them to strengthen our schools and communities.”
“Whether through public policy, professional development, or effective communication, my vision is for NCASA to continue to be recognized as the leading organization in our state,” said Reeves. “One where school administrators unite as champions for public education and are equipped to meet the challenges and opportunities ahead.”
As NCASA begins the next 50 years of its service, Reeves pledged his commitment “to supporting this organization, our members, and elevating the future of public education across North Carolina.”
He starts July 1.
Katherine Joyce, outgoing NCASA executive director, named Champion for Children
NCASA also honored its outgoing executive director, Katherine Joyce, with its 2026 Champion for Children Award.
“The award, given annually to someone dedicated to supporting and enhancing public education, recognizes her extraordinary leadership and advocacy for North Carolina’s public schools,” says the press release.
“Throughout her career, Katherine Joyce has been a tireless advocate for public schools and their leaders,” said Fisher.
In accepting the award, Joyce said, “Championing strong public schools as NCASA’s Executive Director has been the honor and privilege of a lifetime.”
Joyce is retiring June 30.
Dr. Ron Hargrave, Dr. Rhonda Schuhler, and Dr. Tony Jackson honored for leadership
NCASA presented its 2026 Raymond Sarbaugh Leadership Award to three leaders demonstrating outstanding leadership in public school service as well as a commitment to enhancing and supporting efforts by fellow administrators and educators:
- Dr. Ron Hargrave, executive director of the Sandhills Regional Education Consortium,
- Dr. Rhonda Schuhler, retired superintendent of Franklin County Schools, and
- Dr. Tony Jackson, retiring superintendent of Chatham County Schools and incoming CEO of the Public School Forum of North Carolina.
“NCASA is pleased to honor these three co-recipients who are known statewide as leaders among North Carolina’s K-12 leaders,” said Joyce, NCASA’s outgoing executive director. “They dedicate themselves daily to enhancing our public schools, and they are strong advocates for the teams they lead and the students served by their work.”
Here is more information about the recipients.
Miguel Cardona and Mo Green address NCASA’s 2026 Conference on Educational Leadership
About 450 K-12 leaders from across the state attended NCASA’s 2026 Conference on Educational Leadership in Wilmington, where these announcements and awards were presented.
Additionally, former United States Secretary of Education Dr. Miguel Cardona and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Mo Green both made remarks about the current state and future of public education.
Cardona, who served as the 12th U.S. Secretary of Education from 2021 to 2025, said, “I come here with a firm belief in the power of public education as the great equalizer for opportunity and students.”
He stressed that “there has never been a more consequential time to lead” and urged school leaders to “keep your oath even when keeping your oath hurts. This is a challenging time in education, a time that requires us to make hard choices, and follow through on those choices for your students.”
Cardona highlighted three famous North Carolinians who got their start in North Carolina’s public schools — basketball legend Michael Jordan, jazz great John Coltrane, and astronaut Christina Koch.
Green followed Cardona’s remarks with a focus on the successes and challenges facing North Carolina public schools. Green highlighted recent public education successes in Advanced Placement exam growth, Career and Technical Education (CTE) credential gains, and graduation rate increases.
Green also acknowledged the headwinds facing school leaders. He charged the audience to continue to “celebrate the good” in public schools and urged leaders “to take care of themselves.”