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The North Carolina Principal Fellows Commission

The North Carolina Principal Fellows Program is administered by the North Carolina Principal Fellows Commission in collaboration with the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority (SEAA).  Both agencies are affiliated with the University of North Carolina, General Administration (UNC-GA). Selection criteria, the selection process, selection outreach efforts, renewal and continuation criteria and liaison with the educational community are the responsibilities of the North Carolina Principal Fellows Commission. The Commission is staffed and chaired by the Director of the NC Principal Fellows Program. Rules to administer the NCPFP are the responsibility of the Board of Directors for SEAA.

See Program Rules

The NC Principal Fellows Commission consists of:

  • One member of the Board of Governors of The University of North Carolina appointed by the chair of that board
  • One member of the State Board of Education appointed by the State Board chair
  • One dean of a school of education appointed by the President of The University of North Carolina
  • One dean of a school of education appointed by the President of the North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities.
  • One public school teacher appointed by the General Assembly upon the recommendation of the President Pro Tempore of the Senate
  • One public school principal appointed by the General Assembly upon the recommendation of the Speaker of the House of Representatives
  • A local superintendent chosen by the State Superintendent of Public Instruction
  • One member to represent business and industry appointed by the Governor
  • One local school board member appointed by the chair of the State Board of Education
  • One human resources expert from the private sector appointed by the State Superintendent of Public Instruction
  • The chairperson of the Board of the State Education Assistance Authority
  • The director of the Principal Fellows Program. The director shall chair the Commission
  • The Executive Director of the North Carolina Principals and Assistant Principals' Association or his or her designee.
  • The President of the Personnel Administrators of North Carolina or his or her designee.
  • The President and Chief Executive Officer of North Carolina Business Leaders for Education (BEST NC) or his or her designee.
View NCPFP Commission Members

2025-26 NCPFP Commission Meetings

The NCPFP Commission will meet on the following dates:

  • Tuesday, July 22, 2025 (Zoom)

  • Thursday, October 9, 2025 (Asheville, NC)

  • Thursday, January 15, 2026 (Greenville, NC)

  • Thursday, April 16, 2026 (Boone, NC)

  • Thursday, June 18, 2026 (Raleigh, NC)

Commission meetings will be conducted in person and remotely with members and staff participating by simultaneous communication, including by conference telephone and video.

To receive meeting login information and/or submit questions for the Commission, please email ncpfp@northcarolina.edu.

NCPFP Commission Meeting Minutes for Prior Years

"The North Carolina Principal Fellows Program/Transforming Principal Preparation Program (TP3) ensures principals understand the tremendous impact they have on student success and well being and that they MUST accept this responsibility."

Dr. Chris Godwin
Dr. Chris Godwin

"A program that provides a pathway to prepare leadership for our schools is essential for developing excellence in education. NCPFP/TP3 is an example to be emulated by other states."

Jim Roberts
Jim Roberts

“Where ever you find a great school, you will find a great leader. The Principal Fellows/TP3 program is creating a pipeline of extraordinary leaders who will inspire and retain exceptional teachers, driven for student success.”

Brenda Berg
Brenda Berg

“School based administrators have a profound effect on the culture of a school community. This, in turn, impacts students, parents, staff, and community stakeholders. It’s a linchpin position. Professional learning in a preparation program such as TP3/NCPFP is where the administrator becomes grounded in best practices and begins their leadership journey.”

Dr. Marcie Holland
Dr. Marcie Holland

"Having quality leadership is one of the keys for any school or organization. Preparing tomorrow's leaders through the North Carolina Principal Fellows Program/Transforming Principal Preparation Program ensures the continuation of the success, as well as schools being ready for the next steps needed in the future."

Dr. Melba Spooner
Dr. Melba Spooner

“Investing in principal leadership is the fastest, most effective way to improve our schools. In fact, if we want to get the most out of all the other investments in education, strong principal leadership must be an absolute priority.”

Dr. Shirley Prince
Dr. Shirley Prince