The North Carolina School Superintendents’ Association (NCSSA) has named Dr. Jennifer Griffin, superintendent of Hickory City Schools, as the recipient of the Dr. Brad Sneeden Leadership Award, according to a Monday press release. The annual award recognizes a superintendent who exhibits “a strong commitment to lifelong learning, unwavering integrity in leadership, and transformation of vision into action.”
“This recognition reflects the collective efforts of our Board of Education, dedicated staff, supportive families, and community partners who work together each day to move Hickory City Schools forward,” Griffin said in the press release. “I am grateful to be part of a district that embraces innovation, continuous learning, and a shared commitment to excellence.”
The award is given in honor of Sneeden, who was serving as Carteret County Schools’ superintendent at the time of his death in October 2008, the release says. Sneeden previously served in numerous positions across the state, including as the deputy state superintendent for the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (DPI) and State Board of Education, and an adjunct professor with the department of educational leadership and as director of the Office of School Services at East Carolina University.
Sneeden was regarded for his visionary and innovative leadership tactics and commitment to ethics, according to the release. The annual award is meant to recognize other superintendents who lead their districts with impressive character and a passion for ingenuity in academic administration.
“Dr. Griffin leads with vision, integrity, and a relentless focus on student success,” said chair of the Hickory City Schools Board of Education Amanda McGuire. “Her ability to inspire collaboration, champion professional growth, and transform strategic goals into meaningful results has strengthened our district and positioned Hickory City Schools as a leader in public education. We are proud to celebrate this achievement and the positive impact of her leadership.”
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The honor goes to a graduate of NCSSA’s Superintendent Executive Leadership Development Program, which is designed to facilitate reflection and connections designed to make superintendents more effective and thoughtful leaders for their districts. Award winners are evaluated and selected based on their vision for supporting students, leadership, and ethics. The specific criteria are listed below:
- 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 lifelong 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.
“Receiving the Dr. Brad Sneeden Leadership Award is both an honor and a reminder of the responsibility we have as educational leaders to create opportunities that empower every student and educator to thrive,” Griffin said.
Griffin has served as superintendent for Hickory City Schools for three years. She has helped secure multiple grants for her schools, the release says, and has pursued professional development with the High County STEM Network.
“She has demonstrated a vision for Hickory City Schools as an educational innovator and a strong commitment to continuous improvement and the highest standards of ethical conduct,” said NCSSA Executive Director Jack Hoke. “She is a very deserving recipient of this award.”
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