Jamie Synan - Dr. Houston Leadership Awardee
Moore County Schools is proud to share that Jamie Synan, our Assistant Superintendent for Academics and Student Support Services, has been selected as a 2025 Dr. Samuel Houston Leadership Award winner by the North Carolina School Superintendents’ Association (NCSSA).
This prestigious recognition is awarded to a graduate of the NCSSA’s Aspiring Superintendent Program who exemplifies the transformational leadership qualities of Dr. Houston.
We are incredibly proud of Jamie and the leadership she brings to Moore County Schools. Her dedication, strategic vision, and commitment to excellence continue to positively impact our students, staff, and the broader community. We look forward to her continued leadership in the years ahead.
NCSSA shared the following information in a press release:
Jamie Synan has been selected as a 2025 Dr. Samuel Houston Leadership Award Winner for the Aspiring Superintendent Program Cohort IX.
The North Carolina School Superintendents' Association (NCSSA) and the North Carolina Alliance for School Leadership Development (NCASLD) have announced the selection of Ms. Jamie Synan, as a recipient of the Dr. Samuel Houston Leadership Award. This annual award is presented to a graduate of the North Carolina School Superintendents' Association Aspiring Superintendent Program, a program which is designed to empower transformational education leaders for North Carolina’s public schools.
The award is named in honor of Dr. Samuel Houston who is President and Chief Executive Officer of the North Carolina Science, Mathematics, and Technology Education Center. Dr. Houston served as superintendent of the Mooresville Graded School District for ten years where he opened the first year-round school in North Carolina. Dr. Houston has been a champion for strategic planning, student performance and accountability, meeting the needs of the 21st century workforce, skills for the STEM world and building education partnerships. Dr. Houston also served as the first executive director of the University of North Carolina Center for Leadership Development.
Dr. Houston was awarded the Jay Robinson Leadership Award as an Exemplary Educator for his outstanding contributions to statewide public K–12 education. He also earned the RJR-Nabisco Foundation's China Breaker Award for implementing educational change. He has been inducted into the Appalachian State University Reich College of Education's Rhododendron Society and the East Carolina University's Education Hall of Fame and has received the Distinguished Career Award from the University of North Carolina – Greensboro School of Education. He received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine in December of 2024.
From left: Dr. Sam Houston, Jamie Synan, and Jack Hoke
Mr. Jack Hoke, Executive Director of the North Carolina School Superintendents' Association said that Ms. Synan exemplifies the traits that have guided Dr. Samuel Houston's career in educational leadership. She has a commitment to continuous improvement, high standards of ethical conduct, strategic planning, improving student performance and meeting the needs of the 21st century workforce. I look forward to Ms. Synan serving as Deputy Superintendent of the Moore County Schools effective July 1.
Ms. Synan is a dedicated and compassionate leader with 25 years of experience in public education. She has served North Carolina as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, Director of Student Support Services and a Chief Academic Officer. She is currently the Assistant Superintendent for Academics and Student Support Services for Moore County Schools.
Recognized for her outstanding contributions, Ms. Synan was honored as the 2012 Wells Fargo District Principal of the Year and served as the President of the North Carolina Principals and Assistant Principals Association (NCPAPA) for Region 4 from 2011 to 2014. Ms. Synan was also a 2012 graduate of the NCPAPA Distinguished Leadership in Practice Cohort 2.
Mrs. Synan earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Elmira College, her master’s degree in Educational Leadership from High Point University, and an Educational Specialist Degree in Education Administration and Supervision from East Carolina University.
Moore County Schools Superintendent Dr. Tim Locklair shared, “Moore County Schools is fortunate to have Ms. Synan as a senior leader in our district. Leadership matters and Ms. Synan demonstrates this on a daily basis. She leads with passion for those she serves and she works tirelessly each day to ensure our administrators and staff are supported at high levels in order to ensure the growth of our students each and every day. Additionally, as demonstrated through her participation in the Aspiring Superintendent’s Cohort, she is committed to her own personal growth so she can better serve others. I am very proud of her leadership and growth and I am truly excited to see how she will continue to impact our school district and community. ”
Synan said of the award and the program, “I am honored to receive the Dr. Samuel Houston Leadership Award. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside extraordinary leaders who have inspired and challenged me. This program has not only provided valuable insights into my own leadership journey, but it has also empowered me to better serve my district and community with purpose and commitment. I am grateful for the Aspiring Superintendents Cohort and for the chance to continue growing and making a positive impact.”