Laura Bailey Named Sandhills Region POY

Laura Bailey ’24Ed.D. has been named the 2025 Wells Fargo Sandhills Region Principal of the Year. Dr. Bailey earned her doctorate in Educational Leadership with a specialization in Educational Administration from UNCW’s Watson College of Education in December. She is principal at Scotland High School in Scotland County.

A 24-year veteran educator, Bailey fosters a culture of continuous learning for all members of the Scotland High community.

Encouraging students to learn resilience, independence and a commitment to excellence, Bailey holds students accountable for their learning while supporting with resources to meet each student’s needs. Using a data-driven approach to professional development, Bailey accesses staff needs through student achievement, walk-throughs and evaluations, knowing that professional growth translates into meaningful classroom practice for positive student impact.

“By incorporating cultural, social, intellectual and community resources, we can help students overcome barriers to learning, ensuring they can thrive inside and outside of the classroom,” she said.

Bailey embraces community partnerships to provide resources and learning opportunities for students to prepare for postgraduate life.

“Dr. Bailey's recognition as Sandhills Region Principal of the Year is a testament to her unwavering dedication and significant contributions to her community,” said Dr. Yan Liu, associate professor in WCE’s Department of Educational Leadership and chair of Dr. Bailey’s dissertation committee. “I am truly inspired to witness someone who has made such a positive impact on students and the community being honored for their efforts, and it is incredibly rewarding to see our Ed.D. alumna making such a profound impact in the field. I couldn’t be prouder of our program for producing such influential leaders.”

Bailey is one of nine finalists statewide for the 2025 North Carolina Principal of the Year title.

The Wells Fargo Principal of the Year Award was introduced in 1984 to recognize the critical role of the principal in establishing a culture that supports the pursuit and achievement of academic excellence in North Carolina schools.

The Wells Fargo Principal of the Year is an ambassador for the state’s approximately 2,500 principals. The individual selected for this honor serves in an advisory capacity to the State Board of Education for a two-year term and on the Board of Directors of the North Carolina Public School Forum.

The winner will be announced in May.

Recent News and Announcements

• Sandhills Regional Education Consortium, January 30 Dr. Laura Bailey of Scotland High School has been named the 2025 Wells Fargo Sandhills Region Principal of the Year!
• EdNC, February 3 Meet the regional principals of the year: ‘Leaders in their local communities’
• NC DPI, February 10 Regional Principal of the Year Finalists Announced