Dr. Carl E. Harris
Dr. Carl E. Harris worked more than 30 years in North Carolina Public Schools as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, assistant superintendent, and superintendent. He served as President of TE21, Inc., a business that provides assessment and intervention tools for schools and districts. He was appointed Deputy Assistant Secretary in the U.S. Department of Education in 2010. Prior to his appointment, Dr. Harris was superintendent of Durham Public Schools where he provided leadership for 33,000 students, families, and community members. He advanced academic achievement; established collaborative relationships with parents, businesses and the community; and worked to develop effective leaders and improve school-level leadership. Before serving in Durham, Dr. Harris served as Superintendent of the Franklin County Public School System.
Dr. Harris’ educational contributions have been widely recognized. He received numerous awards, including the North Carolina State University Distinguished Alumni Award, the Order of the Long Leaf Pine (highest civilian award in North Carolina), the National Association for Gifted Children Educator Award, the Franklin County Living Black Legend Award, and the University Council for Educational Administration and Leadership.
Dr. Harris holds a Doctorate in Education Administration from NC State, a Master’s degree in Education, an Education Specialist degree in Administration and Supervision, and a Bachelor’s degree in Health and Physical Education. He currently serves on the Board of the NC State College of Education.
Impact
Dr. Harris is passionate about the impact that education has on a person’s life. As a first-generation college graduate, he has seen this impact first-hand, as well as observing it in his siblings and children. It is his hope that in some small way, the Carl E. Harris Scholarship Endowment will not only inspire others to see education as a way to help themselves on a path toward a better career and future, but also motivate them to use their passion and talents to benefit many other future lives.