Meet Dr. Cary E. Holman, our 2024 Alumni Achievement Award recipient! He graduated from ACE in 2020 with an Ed.D. in Leadership, and his extensive education career of nearly three decades is a testament to his unwavering commitment and dedication. With a childhood dream to lead his hometown district, Dr. Holman became the director of schools for the Franklin County School District in 2023. We were excited to speak with him and learn more.
ACE: Congratulations on receiving the 2024 Alumni Achievement Award! How does it feel to be selected for this honor?
Dr. Cary E. Holman (CEH): It is truly an honor to be selected to receive the 2024 Alumni Achievement Award. I greatly appreciate the recognition and proudly accept the award.
ACE: What inspired you to earn an Ed.D. at ACE, and how has it advanced your career?
CEH: My ultimate vision has always been to earn an Ed.D. Due to costs of different programs, I couldn’t pursue one. However, my life changed in March 2018 when I saw the light of opportunity. While attending a conference in Orlando, my attention was captured by the ACE display table. From that moment, I quickly realized my vision was finally about to come to fruition. I truly believe obtaining my Ed.D. at ACE allowed me greater opportunities for advancements. I’ve had the honor and privilege to teach graduate courses at Middle Tennessee State University and ultimately become the director of schools in Franklin County.
ACE: Your extensive experience in education is truly admirable. How has it felt to achieve your lifelong goal of becoming the superintendent (director of schools) in your hometown?
CEH: I am so humbled to be selected as superintendent in my hometown. Obtaining this position was my greatest goal in education, and my hometown was the foundation to my educational journey. I was inspired by my fourth grade teacher, Ms. Charline Simmons, who equipped me with the knowledge and desire to see the value of education and the importance of becoming an educator.
ACE: You spend your summers equipping teachers and parents. Tell us more about that experience and how other educational leaders can make a difference in this way.
CEH: I believe education is the most noble profession. The most important thing to understand is the importance of leading from your role and not from a title. I fully understand the value of leading with the desire to equip, support, enhance, empower and encourage other teachers and educational leaders. The actions of a leader must supersede the words of a leader, and solid leadership requires determination, resiliency and fortitude.
As educational “agents of change”, it is essential to provide support. I enjoy taking time to conduct professional development sessions and speak at different conferences. In doing so, I have been fortunate to build a professional network and establish collaborative partnerships.
ACE: What advice would you give to an aspiring educational leader?
CEH: Leadership must be viewed from a progressive growth mindset. Great leaders seek and are determined to develop themselves continually and then grow and strengthen others. I would encourage leaders to reflect on their practices, talk with rather than talk at people and build a team that is determined to see and walk out the vision and mission of the organization.
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