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Dr. Melissa Blackwell - Superintendent
Dr. Blackwell has Johnston County roots as a graduate of South Johnston High School, so she is familiar with the needs of our community and resources available to provide students a stellar educational experience. Dr. Blackwell began her professional career as a literature, science and social studies instructor for middle school students. Within six years, she had secured a position at one of the top K-12 public charter schools in the state (Franklin Academy, Wake Forest). In 2011, Dr. Blackwell transitioned from a middle school literature instructor to a middle and high school administrator at the highly regarded Thales Academy. Over the course of eight years at Thales Academy, Dr. Blackwell gained extensive experience in curriculum coordination, staff evaluations, parent engagement, talent recruitment and growth, enrollment management, testing, college counseling, budgeting and finance. Most recently, Dr. Blackwell served as Head of School at Fusion Academy which offers an innovative personalized learning environment.
Dr. Blackwell has ambitiously pursued opportunities to expand her knowledge, credibility, and expertise throughout her 23 years of experience in education. After graduating from Johnston Community College, she pursued her Bachelor of Science from NC State University followed by a Masters of Education in Reading. In 2009, she obtained National Board Certification on her first attempt! In 2011, she received her Mentor Certification along with her Education Specialist degree in Teacher Leadership and School Administration from Walden University. She completed her Doctorate of Education from Walden University in February of 2019. She is also an active member of the National Society for Leadership and Success and a member of the 2022-2023 NCDPI ACCESS Fellowship program. Working with school leaders, entrepreneurs, and teachers energizes her, and she finds her purpose in helping others discover theirs. She is unapologetically relentless in her pursuit of what is best for students, and she works tirelessly to provide an equitable and inclusive educational experience for every child every day.
Dr. Blackwell has ambitiously pursued opportunities to expand her knowledge, credibility, and expertise throughout her 23 years of experience in education. After graduating from Johnston Community College, she pursued her Bachelor of Science from NC State University followed by a Masters of Education in Reading. In 2009, she obtained National Board Certification on her first attempt! In 2011, she received her Mentor Certification along with her Education Specialist degree in Teacher Leadership and School Administration from Walden University. She completed her Doctorate of Education from Walden University in February of 2019. She is also an active member of the National Society for Leadership and Success and a member of the 2022-2023 NCDPI ACCESS Fellowship program. Working with school leaders, entrepreneurs, and teachers energizes her, and she finds her purpose in helping others discover theirs. She is unapologetically relentless in her pursuit of what is best for students, and she works tirelessly to provide an equitable and inclusive educational experience for every child every day.