RALEIGH (February 23, 2023) – Being a school principal has been called the toughest job in America. But Bonnie Fusarelli is there to help.

Fusarelli, a professor and faculty scholar in the Department of Educational Leadership, Policy, and Human Development at NC State University, has run training for future principals and superintendents for 20 years. 

In the process, she’s secured more than $41 million in grant funds, and the master’s program has graduated 305 school leaders since 2012.

The UNC Board of Governors recognized Fusarelli today with the Gov. James E. Holshouser, Jr. Award for Excellence in Public Service. The award is intended to recognize and reward public service by University employees.

“It’s really rewarding work, and it’s difficult work,” Fusarelli told the Board.

“Anybody who’s ever worked for a really fantastic boss or a really horrible boss knows that leadership matters,” she said.

NC State Chancellor Randy Woodson noted to the Board that Fusarelli focuses especially on poor communities. She started a leadership academy for future principals in seven northeastern North Carolina counties.

Fusarelli described a principal as a jack of all trades, managing a transportation system with buses and a restaurant with the school cafeteria – not to mention staffing challenges and children with special needs.

Research has a determined that an effective school principal can accelerate a student’s performance by 2.9 months in reading and 2.7 months in math, she said.

“They’re all just really phenomenal people, and I feel blessed to work with them and know them,” she said.“I consider this kind of work a calling.”