Buies Creek, N.C. – Three-time winner of the North Carolina Superintendent of the Year Award, Dr. James Causby delivered the E. Bruce Heilman Leadership Lecture at Campbell University’s School of Education Convocation on Tuesday, Feb. 10. The Heilman Lecture Series provides a forum for decorated scholars and distinguished professionals to explore the difficult role of leaders in the 21st century. The lecture series is funded by the E. Bruce Heilman Lectures Endowment Fund.
Speaking to an audience of senior education majors, Causby talked of the ability to build relationships with students as one of the most important skills for a successful teacher.
“Children will come to you who have always had problems and now have even more severe problems because of the economic crisis we are in,” said Causby. “I encourage you to try to understand where they come from. Some may not have eaten last night, some high school students may not have even gone home because they have been kicked out of their homes.”
The superintendent of three North Carolina school systems and current Executive Director of the state School Superintendents’ Association, Causby related the true story of a family that lost the mother and son in a fatal car crash. The father could not cope and began to deteriorate. However his surviving son never failed to excel in school, even though the family was homeless. When Causby asked him why, the boy told him that wherever they were, his dad always put his arms around him and told him he loved him before he went to sleep.
“Never underestimate the power of love when you’re seeking successful student outcomes,” Causby said.
E. Bruce Heilman served as Chancellor and president and Chief Executive Officer of the University of Richmond. He also served as president of Meredith College from 1966-1988.
The School of Education commissioned a total of 98 graduating seniors to a life of service during the Convocation ceremony.
Photo Copy: Dr. James Causby, Executive Director of the North Carolina School Superintendents’ Association (Photo by Bennett Scarborough)