Bloxam Honored by ECU, Her Alma Mater

October 26. 2007 9:00AM

Bloxam honored by ECU, her alma mater

By DENEESHA EDWARDS The Dispatch

Dr. Becky Bloxam, superintendent for Lexington City Schools, was recently honored by her alma mater, East Carolina University in Greenville.

Bloxam, 60, was recognized at a special event during the university's centennial celebration that paid tribute to "A Legacy of Leadership: 100 Incredible ECU Women."

"I was honored to be recognized by the school where my journey began," she said.

The Women's Roundtable paid tribute to the 100 ECU alumnae at the Greenville Hilton, where the women were thanked for their outstanding contributions in areas such as public service, performing arts, fine arts, business and industry, sports, education, health sciences, media and professional. The Roundtable is a group dedicated to making a difference for the institution by helping influence the future of ECU and helping maximize its contributions to the region, state, nation and world.

"I saw some people I went to school with that I hadn't seen in years," Bloxam said. "It was so interesting to see how we all aged and had gotten better over time."

Bloxam had the opportunity to see Cokie Roberts, who was the keynote speaker. Roberts is an Emmy Award-winning, senior news analyst for National Public Radio and a political commentator for ABC News. A reception was also held at Chancellor Steve Ballard's house, which Bloxam attended with her husband, Percy.

"I've always admired Cokie Roberts," she said. "I always enjoyed her work. I was so happy to be in her presence."

Even though Bloxam had been on campus nearly two years ago to speak to a group of education majors, she said it's always interesting to go back and see how things have changed.

"The growth of that university is amazing," she said.

Bloxam is a native of Lexington and 1965 graduate of Lexington Senior High School. She graduated from ECU in 1969 with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration. She quickly discovered that as a women she was only offered secretarial positions during those times.

"The best offer I received was a secretary position at a life insurance company in Charlotte," she said. "I decided I'd better get a new career."

Due to a teacher shortage, Bloxam became a math teacher at a middle school for High Point City Schools, which is now part of Guilford County Schools. She stayed there for a year.

"I loved teaching," she said. "I knew I'd found my place."

After having her only child, Eran Gordon, she moved back to Lexington during the early 1970s and went to work at Dunbar School. During the 17 years she was at Dunbar she served as a teacher, guidance counselor, assistant principal and then principal. She also received a master's degree in guidance and counseling from North Carolina A&T State University, an educational specialist degree from Appalachian State University and a doctorate degree in educational leadership from Nova Southern University.

In the early '90s she came to the Lexington City Schools' administrative office where she served as the assistant superintendent until she became superintendent in 1997.

"I am truly blessed to have been employed here in 1974," she said. "I've pretty much grown up in this school system."

Bloxam said it was really interesting to be among such strong women.

"It was quite moving to be in the presence of so many women who were in leadership positions," Bloxam said. "This school system has provided me the opportunity grow and to learn so much."

Deneesha Edwards can be reached at 249-3981, ext. 213, or at [email protected].