Pat Campbell Pat Campbell Is Currently Vice President of Women’S & Children’S Services at Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center in Charlotte, NC

NC STATE UNIVERSITY | Institute for EMERGING ISSUES

29th ANNUAL EMERGING ISSUES FORUM

TEACHERS AND THE GREAT ECONOMIC DEBATE

FEBRUA RY 10-11, 201 4

Speaker List 2014 Emerging Issues Forum Speakers

June Atkinson June Atkinson is the first woman elected State Superintendent of the Public Schools in North Carolina and has served in this position since August 2005. She oversees almost 1.5 million students in over 2,500 public schools. She has more than 35 years of experience in education. She has served as a chief consultant and director in the areas of business education, career and technical education, and instructional services within the NCDPI. A former business education teacher, Atkinson has been involved in instruction and curriculum development throughout her career. She has held many professional offices and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the National Council of Chief State School Officers. She received a bachelor’s degree in Business Education from Radford University, a master’s degree in Vocational and Technical Education from Virginia Tech, and a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy from North Carolina State University.

Pat Campbell Pat Campbell is currently Vice President of Women’s & Children’s Services at Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center in Charlotte, NC. She is responsible for the strategic planning of women’s and children’s services throughout the Greater Charlotte market for Novant Health. Services and programs which have been developed under her leadership include a pediatric hospitalist program, a pediatric neurologist program, renovation of Hemby Children’s Hospital, the development and implementation of a Women’s Center, an obstetrical hospitalist program, expansion of Child Life Services and the development of Pediatric Emergency Department. Pat currently serves as co-chair for Novant Women’s Council and Women’s Transformation/BPET Team. She has received several awards, including Top 25 Women in Business and NC Nurse of the Year. Campbell was inducted into the American Academy of Nursing in 2013.

Ruben G. Carbonell Ruben Carbonell is the Frank Hawkins Kenan Distinguished Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at NC State University, which he joined in 1984 after 10 years at the University of California, Davis. He is the Director of the William R. Kenan, Jr. Institute for Engineering, Technology & Science, and he is also Director of the Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center. Carbonell has authored over 230 peer-reviewed publications in international journals dealing with a wide range of topics in science and engineering. He is a Fellow of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, a Fellow of the Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Division of the American Chemical Society and has won numerous awards including the Alexander Quarles Holladay Medal for Excellence at NC State University. Carbonell completed his B.S. degree in Chemical Engineering from Manhattan College in 1969 and his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Princeton University in 1973. Cathy Cavanaugh

Cathy Cavanaugh is Director of Teaching and Learning in Worldwide Education at Microsoft Corporation. She works with education leaders and organizations around the world. Cathy’s research and publications focus on technology-empowered teaching and learning in virtual schools, online and blended teacher learning, mobile learning, and integration of devices into schools. Her work has been recognized for its impact with international awards. Cathy has held faculty and leadership appointments in U.S. universities and a college in the Middle East, and she was a Fulbright Senior Scholar advancing e-learning in Nepal. She also directed professional development centers in the U.S., and was a classroom teacher in the U.S. and Caribbean. Cathy has a Ph.D. in Curricu- lum and Instruction, a Master of Education, and a Bachelor of Education.

Raj Chetty

Raj Chetty is the Bloomberg Professor of Economics at Harvard University. Chetty’s research combines empirical evidence and economic theory to help design more effective government policies. His work on tax policy, unemployment insurance, and education has been widely cited in media outlets and Congressional testimony. His current research focuses on equality of opportunity: how can we give children from disadvantaged backgrounds better chances of succeeding? Chetty was recently awarded a MacArthur “Genius” Fellowship and the John Bates Clark medal, which is given by the American Economic Association to the best American economist under age 40. He received his Ph.D. from Harvard in 2003 at the age of 23 and is one of the youngest tenured professors in the university’s history.

Charles Coble

Charles Coble is Co-founder & Partner of Teacher Preparation Analytics, as well as Co-Director of the national Science and Mathematics Teacher Imperative based in Washington, DC. Coble was Professor of Science Education for 23 years and Dean of the East Carolina University School of Education for 13 years. He served for six years as Vice President for University-School programs for the 17-campus University of North Carolina system and later as Vice President of the Education Commission of the States in Denver, CO. Coble is most proud of the fact that he has maintained his North Carolina secondary school science teaching license since 1964.

Celine Coggins

Celine Coggins is the founder and CEO of Teach Plus. She is a former K-12 teacher and current Mind Trust Education Entrepreneur Fellow. Coggins launched Teach Plus in 2007 as a subsidiary of the Rennie Center for Education Research and Policy in Cambridge, MA and incorporated it as an independent 501c3 in 2009. Its mission is to improve outcomes for urban children by ensuring that a greater proportion of students have access to effective, experienced teachers. Coggins has a background in research and policy. She has been a labor-management consultant in Providence, RI, as well as Worcester and Springfield, MA, and was formerly special assistant to the Massachusetts Commissioner of Education on teacher quality. She is the author of more than two dozen reports and journal articles, and the editor of two books. She earned her Ph.D. in Education Policy Analysis from Stanford University. Glenda W. Crawford Glenda Crawford is a Professor in the School of Education at Elon University, and Director of its Teaching Fellows Program. Crawford has taught at universities in China, England, and the Republic of Georgia. She has received the 2009 Daniels-Danieley Excellence in Teaching Award, Elon University’s most prestigious teaching recognition. In 2011, she was selected as North Carolina Professor of the Year. Crawford has published books and articles on adolescent learning and student-centered pedagogy, and she has presented at national and international professional meetings on learner-centered pedagogy, adolescent learning and cognition, gifted education, critical thinking, differentiated instructional design, and middle level teacher preparation. Crawford received a B.A. in English, an M.Ed. in gifted education, and a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

Elizabeth Kolb Cunningham

Elizabeth Kolb Cunningham serves as the Director of the North Carolina New Teacher Support Program (NC NTSP). Prior to joining the NC NTSP, Elizabeth served as Policy Analyst and Race to the Top Coordinator for Evaluation for the NC State Board of Education. Elizabeth was a Research Associate with the NC Education Research Council, and provided research support to the NC Education Cabinet. Elizabeth has also served as an education policy consultant for universities, community colleges, school districts, and political campaigns across North Carolina. Elizabeth earned a B.A. in Political Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a J.D. from Wake Forest Univer- sity School of Law. Elizabeth returned to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to study Curriculum and Instruction at the School of Education.

Karyn Collie Dickerson

Karyn Collie Dickerson is a National Board Certified English Teacher at Grimsley High School (Greensboro, NC) and the 2013-2014 North Carolina Teacher of the Year. She has taught English in grades 9-12, including recovery, inclusion, Advanced Placement, and International Baccalaureate classes. Outside of her classroom, Karyn has served on Grimsley’s Leadership Team, mentored English teacher interns from local universities, and coached the Grimsley Women’s Varsity Tennis Team. She is also an English Methods Instructor at Guilford College. Karyn earned her B.A. in English from UNC-Chapel Hill, and her M.A. in Philosophy from the University of Glasgow, Scotland, which she attended as a Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholar. As NC Teacher of the Year, Karyn is currently traveling the state and advocating for public education.

Victor Dzau

Victor Dzau, MD, is president and CEO of Duke University Health System, chancellor of health affairs and James B. Duke Professor of Medicine at Duke University. He was the Hersey Professor and chairman of the Department of Medicine at Harvard, and previously chairman of the Department of Medicine at Stanford University. Dr. Dzau is recognized nationally and globally for a long and highly decorated career as a scientist, administrator and leader. For his outstanding scientific contributions he has received numerous awards, including the Gustav Nylin Medal from the Swedish Royal College of Medicine, the Polzer Prize from the European Academy of Sciences & Arts, and the Distinguished Scientist Award of the American Heart Association. Dr. Dzau has made significant impacts on healthcare through his leadership in translational research, health innovation, global healthcare strategy and delivery. As one of the world’s most preeminent academic health leaders, Dr. Dzau advises governments, businesses and universities worldwide, serving on advisory councils and boards of directors. He has been awarded six honorary degrees, and a professorship in his name has been established at Harvard University. Jayne Fleener

Dean Fleener has over 30 years of professional experience in K-12 and higher education, including teaching high school mathematics and computer science in North Carolina. She has a Bachelor’s degree from Indiana University and three graduate degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, including her Ph.D. in mathematics education. Her teaching and research have been in the areas of philosophy, computer science, mathematics, mathematics education, gender issues in mathematics and engineering, educational research and policy, and curriculum theory. She has over 100 publications, including her books Curriculum Dynamics: Recreating Heart a n d Chaos, Complexity, Curriculum, and Culture: A Conversation. Dr. Fleener was recognized as one of the 125 Transformational Women of NC State and received the NC State Outstanding International Engagement Award in 2013. She serves on several education boards, including the Board of Directors of the Public School Forum and the Board of Directors of Communities in Schools – Wake County.

Rick Glazier

Rick Glazier has been elected six times to the North Carolina General Assembly. Rick received his J.D. from Wake Forest University in 1981. He is a Visiting Professor in Criminal Justice at Fayetteville State University and has been teaching pre-trial civil law as well as trial and appellate advocacy at Campbell University School of Law for 21 years. In 1996, he was elected to the Cumberland County School Board and served for six years, two as Chairman. Rick started his professional career in Fayetteville as Assistant Public Defender. He then served five years as a law clerk to two federal judges, James C. Fox and Wallace Dixon, and spent 15 years as a member of the Beaver, Holt law firm.

William Haslam

Born and raised in Knoxville, Tennessee, William (Bill) Haslam worked managing his fam- ily’s small chain of gas stations. Throughout his time at Pilot Corporation, Bill sustained the company’s enormous growth by allocating resources wisely, managing the business conservatively, and working hard to increase sales and satisfy customers. After serving two terms as Mayor of Knoxville from 2003 to 2011, Bill was elected Governor of Tennes- see. During his time in office, Governor Haslam has remained committed to key education initiatives as well as recruited and retained thousands of jobs to the state.

Bryan Hassel

Bryan Hassel is Co-Director of Public Impact, based in Chapel Hill. He consults nationally with leading public agencies, nonprofit organizations, and foundations working for dramatic improvements in K–12 education. Hassel is a recognized expert on charter schools, school turnarounds, education entrepreneurship, and teacher and leader policy. His work has appeared in Education Next, Education Week, and numerous other publications. Hassel received his Ph.D. in public policy from Harvard University and his master’s degree in politics from Oxford University, which he attended as a Rhodes Scholar. He earned his B.A. at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, which he attended as a Morehead Scholar. Hassel is a senior research affiliate with the Center on Reinventing Public Education, and a nonresident senior fellow with Education Sector. Frederick Hess

Frederick Hess is an educator, political scientist, and author who serves as Director of Education Policy Studies at the American Enterprise Institute. His books include Cage-Busting Leadership, Education Unbound, and Spinning Wheels, and he authors the popular Education Week blog “Rick Hess Straight Up.” A former high school teacher, Hess currently teaches at Rice University and the University of Pennsylvania and serves as Executive Editor for the influential education journal,Education Next. He holds an M.A. and Ph.D. in Government, as well as an M.Ed. in Teaching and Curriculum from Harvard University.

Angela Hinson Quick

Following an extensive national search, North Carolina New Schools welcomed Angela Hinson Quick as their new Senior Vice President for Talent Development in October 2013. Hinson Quick leads NC New Schools’s efforts to support innovative programming in schools, districts and regions that effectively advance Common Core Standards and graduates all students ready for success in postsecondary education and careers. In her previous position as Deputy Chief Academic Officer for the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, Hinson Quick led the state’s large-scale reform agenda, including revisions to academic standards and assessments and the adoption of new accountability models. Hinson Quick earned her doctoral degree in educational leadership at Cambridge University in 2013 where her research focused on enrollment patterns of females in STEM advanced placement courses. She also secured a Masters of Science Degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of South Carolina, Columbia and a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Appalachian State University.

Bryan Holloway

Rep. Bryan Holloway represents the 91st House District, which includes Rockingham and Stokes counties. Rep. Holloway is currently serving his fifth two-year term. He is a member of several legislative committees, and chairs the Appropriations Committee, the Committee on Common Core State Standards, and the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee. Prior to serving in public office, Rep. Holloway was a history teacher and farmer.

Tyronna Hooker

Tyronna Hooker is Director of District & Community Partnerships for Teach for America, Eastern NC Region. In this role, Tyronna fosters relationships with district and community partners, oversees the corps member placement process and works closely with principals, district representatives, and corps members. Tyronna was the 2011 North Carolina State Teacher of the Year. She spent nine years teaching social studies and exceptional children at Graham Middle School in Graham, NC. Tyronna came to teaching through an alternative pathway after working for many years in the criminal justice system. Prior to joining Teach For America, Tyronna worked with the NC Teaching Fellows at North Carolina Central University, where she continues to teach an education course. Tyronna earned a B.S. in Criminal Justice at North Carolina Central University and a Master of Education in Special Education from Elon University. D. Craig Horn

Elected in 2010, and re-elected in 2012, D. Craig Horn represents District 68, Western Union County in the North Carolina General Assembly. Craig is co-chairman of the House Appropriations Sub-Committee on Education and vice chairman of the House Education Policy Committee. He also serves on House committees for Agriculture, Appropriations, Homeland Security & Veterans Affairs, Judiciary, Regulatory Reform and the Legislative Ethics Committee. During the interim, Representative Horn is co-chair of the House Study Committee on Education Innovation and serves on Non-Standing Committees for Common Core State Standards, Education Oversight and the Task Force of Educator Effectiveness and Compensation. Rep. Horn serves as a NC Commissioner to the Education Commission of the States and has recently been appointed to the ECS Steering Committee. He is also an Early Learning Fellow at the National Conference of State Legislators.

Helen Ladd

Helen Ladd is the Edgar Thompson Professor of Public Policy Studies and Professor of Economics at Duke University. Most of her current research focuses on topics in education policy including school accountability, parental choice and market-based reforms, charter schools, school finance, and teacher labor markets. With colleagues at Duke she has explored the relationship between teacher credentials and student test scores, the effects of accelerating algebra, school segregation, and the effects of early childhood initiatives. She is co-editor of The Handbook of Research on Educational Finance and Policy (Routledge, 2008) and is the co-author of books on school choice in New Zealand and school reform in post-apartheid South Africa. She is a past president of the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management and a member of the National Academy of Education.

Ann Maddock

Ann Maddock is a Senior Policy Advisor at the New Teacher Center, a national non-profit dedicated to improving student learning by accelerating the effectiveness of new teachers and school leaders. Ann served as the Teacher Advisor and Senior Education Policy Advisor to North Carolina Governor Mike Easley (2002-2009) and to Governor Beverly Perdue (2009). In 2002, with Governor Easley, Ann led the effort to implement the first- in-the-nation statewide teacher working conditions survey in North Carolina, as well as the subsequent policies which have helped to reshape education reform in the state. The use of such teaching and learning conditions data has now become a national indicator on teaching quality and school-based reform. Prior to advising Governor Easley, Ann taught in secondary public schools in North Carolina and Maryland and was a state and national award winning science teacher, mentor teacher, team leader, professional development trainer and varsity basketball coach.

Pat McCrory

Governor McCrory was raised in Guilford County and began working for Duke Energy following his graduation from Catawba College. Pat has served on Charlotte City Council and as Mayor of Charlotte for 14 years. As Mayor, he championed major issues such as economic development, infrastructure, transportation, public safety, and education. As Governor, Pat has focused on job creation and improving “customer service” for the people of North Carolina by streamlining operations and cutting waste. Walter McDowell

John Walter McDowell is Chairman of BEST NC, a new organization of 63 business leaders with a focus on moving the children of North Carolina and Public Education to a better place. Former positions include Chairman of the Community Education Collaborative, a collaboration of the Winston-Salem/ Forsyth County Schools, the United Way and 30 not for profits that intervene with 4,000 at-risk students each school year, as well as CEO for Carolinas/Virginia Banking. McDowell is on the Board of Bassett Furniture Company, Vaughn Bassett, Bassett Mirror, the Research Triangle Foundation, the Wake Forest Innovation Quarter, the Winston-Salem Alliance and the WSSU Foundation. He is a former Board Member of the Federal Reserve Bank in Richmond. Walter has a Bachelors Degree in Economics from the University of North Carolina.

John Merrow

John Merrow began his career as an education reporter with National Public Radio nearly 40 years ago with the weekly series, “Options in Education.” He is currently Education Correspondent for PBS NewsHour and President of Learning Matters, an independent production company based in New York City. Since 1984 he has worked in public television as a NewsHour Correspondent and as host of his own series of documentaries. His work has been recognized with Peabody Awards in 2000 and 2006, Emmy nominations in 1984, 2005, and 2007, four CINE Golden Eagles, among others. He is the author of The Influence of Teachers (2011), Choosing Excellence (2001) and co-editor of Declining by Degrees (2005). Merrow earned a B.A. from Dartmouth College, an M.A. in American Studies from Indiana University, and a doctorate in Education and Social Policy from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. He blogs regularly at Taking Note: Thoughts on Education.

Earline Parmon

Senator Earline Parmon has served five terms representing House District 72, Forsyth County, in the North Carolina General Assembly. As a state senator, Parmon serves on the Committee for Appropriations on Education/Higher Education, Appropriations/Base Budget, Education/Higher Education, Health Care and Judiciary I. Senator Parmon has received the President’s Award presented by the Winston-Salem Branch of the NAACP and the North Carolina NAACP’s Political Trailblazer Award.

Daniel Pink

Dan Pink is the author of five books, including the long-running New York Times bestsellers, A Whole New Mind and Drive. His latest book, To Sell is Human, is a #1 New York Times business bestseller, a #1 Wall Street Journal business bestseller, and a #1 Washington Post nonfiction bestseller. Dan’s books have been translated into 34 languages and have sold more than two million copies worldwide. In 2013, Thinkers 50 named him one of the top 15 business thinkers in the world. Diane Ravitch

Diane Ravitch is a research professor of education at New York University and a national champion for public schools. She has published more than 500 articles, books and reviews, and shares a blog called Bridging Differenceswith Deborah Meier, hosted by Education Week. Ravitch also served as Assistant Secretary of Education and Counselor to Secretary of Education Lamar Alexander from 1991 to 1993, and as a member of the National Assessment Governing Board. Her most recent honors include the John Dewey Award from the United Federation of Teachers of New York City and the Kenneth J. Bialkin/Citigroup Public Service Award. In 2010, the National Education Association selected her at its “Friend of Education” for the year.

Amanda Ripley

Amanda Ripley is an investigative journalist for Time, The Atlantic and other magazines. She is the author, most recently, of The Smartest Kids in the World-- and How They Got That Way. Her first book,The Unthinkable: Who Survives When Disaster Strikes-- and Why, was published in 15 countries and turned into a PBS documentary. For Time and The Atlantic, she has chronicled the stories of kids, parents and teachers, writing cover stories on the college of the future, the politics of education reform and the science of motivating children. Amanda’s work has also appeared in Slate, the Wall Street Journal, and the Times of London. Her work has helped Time win two National Magazine Awards. Before joining Time as a writer in 2000, Amanda covered the D.C. courts for Washington City Paper and Capitol Hill for Congressional Quarterly. She is currently an Emerson Fellow at the New America Foundation, a nonprofit, nonpartisan think tank in Washington, D.C. Thomas Ross

Tom Ross is president of the 17-campus University of North Carolina. A graduate of Davidson College and the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Law, he previously served as president of Davidson, executive director of the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation, a Superior Court judge, and director of the NC Administrative Office of the Courts. He has also practiced law, served as a congressional staffer, and served on the faculty of the UNC- Chapel Hill School of Government. His many honors include the Rehnquist Award for Judicial Excellence and Distinguished Alumni Awards from both Davidson and the UNC- Chapel Hill School of Law.

Pasi Sahlberg

Pasi Sahlberg is a Finnish educator and scholar. He has worked as a schoolteacher, teacher educator and policy advisor in Finland, and studies education systems and reforms around the world. His expertise includes international educational change, the future of schooling, and innovations in teaching and learning. His best-selling book, Finnish Lessons: What Can the World Learn from Educational Change in Finland (Teachers College Press, 2011) won the 2013 Grawemeyer Award. He is a former Director General of the Centre for International Mobility and Cooperation (CIMO) in Helsinki and currently a visiting Professor of Practice at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education. Virgil Smith

Virgil Smith is the Vice President of Talent Acquisition and Diversity at the Gannett Company. He is the former president and publisher of the Asheville Citizen-Times. He is an executive with high proficiency in talent acquisition, organizational development, and diversity management vital to the growth, expansion, and profitability of a global media conglomerate. Smith is a Trustee with the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation and chairs the Audit and Education Committees. He is a member of UNC Asheville’s Board of Trustees as well as a member of both the board of advisors for Morgan State University’s School of Global Journalism and Communication and the Mayborn School of Journalism at the Uni- versity of North Texas. Smith earned his Bachelor of Science and Master’s degrees from the University of San Francisco.

Kathleen “Casey” Steinbacher

Kathleen “Casey” Steinbacher is President and CEO of the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce, which is highly regarded for its economic development success and entrepreneurial tech start up initiatives. Steinbacher previously served as president and CEO of the Northern Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce in Palm Beach County, Florida as well as president and CEO of the Williamsport/Lycoming County Chamber of Commerce in Williamsport, Pa., after 10 years in local government. Steinbacher has served on a variety of national organizations including the U.S. Chamber’s Committee of 100, and is a Ford Foundation Fellow in the area of Regional Sustainability. She is also a Past Chair of the American Chamber of Commerce Executives Association, a national organization representing Chamber of Commerce Executives across North America and Canada. Steinbacher is a graduate from Penn State University with a degree in Urban Planning and achieved her Certified Chamber Executive status in 2000. Richard Stevens

Richard Stevens joined Smith Anderson in September 2012 after serving as a Senator in the North Carolina General Assembly since 2003. Before stepping down from this role, he was ranked as the Senate’s third most effective member, according to a survey by the nonpartisan North Carolina Center for Public Policy Research. For the past two years, Richard was co-chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee and served as a budget leader under both Republican and Democratic majorities. An attorney and management consultant, he was Manager of Wake County from 1984 to 2000. Before that, Richard served as Assistant Wake County Manager and held numerous positions with the City of Durham, including Director of Finance and Assistant City Manager.

Willy Stewart

Willy Stewart, a native of Colombia, received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in civil engineering from NC State University. In 1994, he founded Stewart Inc., a 100+ person firm which offers a wide variety of services, including land planning and design, structural engineering, transportation, geomatics and construction services. In 2009, Mr. Stewart founded i2. Integrated Intelligence, a management consulting firm that advises CEOs and leaders of diverse industries on how to optimize the integration of culture and business intelligence. This integration dramatically improves performance while remaining focused on the company’s purpose and work/life balance of employees. His book, FireYourself [as your own Higher Power], is aimed at a new generation of leaders rising up to demonstrate their strength through service and love. Mr. Stewart serves on the Institute for Emerging Issues National Advisory Board and is currently the Chairman of the North Carolina Board of Engineers and Land Surveyors. John Tate John A. Tate, III most recently served as Senior Vice President of Wells Fargo Bank (1978- 2011), with responsibilities such as managing the Charlotte commercial/corporate market segment and oversight of the motorsports segment across the franchise footprint. Prior to this position, Tate was the Vice President of corporate lending for First National Bank of Atlanta (1973-1977), with responsibility for West Georgia. He has also served on the NC State Board of Education and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education, among a number of other advisory boards. Tate received in B.A. in History from UNC-Chapel Hill, and an MBA in Finance from Georgia State University.

Jerry Tillman

Senator Tillman of Randolph County represents the 29th Senatorial District, which includes Moore and Randolph counties. Senator Tillman serves on a number of legislative committees, and co-chairs the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee, the Appropriations on Education/Higher Education committee, and the Education/Higher Education committee. Senator Tillman was Precinct Chair of Randolph County GOP for 23 years, and GOP Chairman for seven years. Senator Tillman has served on the board of several institutions, including Randolph Community College and the N.C. Center for the Advancement of Teaching. Prior to public office, Tillman worked as an assistant superintendent, principal, teacher, and coach for 35 years. Born in Siler City in Chatham County, Senator Tillman received his bachelor’s degree from Elon College and his master’s degree from the School of Administration at UNC-Greensboro.