Former superintendent of Durham schools returns to alma mater

Buies Creek, N.C.–Former teacher, principal and school superintendent Dr. Ann Denlinger, returned to Campbell University Tuesday, Feb.11, to address more than 80 students being commissioned by the School of Education. Denlinger counseled the prospective graduates from the school’s four certification areas–psychology, education, social work and Family and Consumer Science–to care about the people they will serve.”Whether you are in a public school or in some other arena, you are in a service profession,” Denlinger said. “Our children and those you serve are counting on you to care about them and to put their needs first.”Denlinger, who is currently president of the Wake Education Partnership, said she couldn’t have achieved a 42-year career in education without the care and compassion of Campbell University.”My family had no money for me to continue my education after I finished my Associates of Arts degree at Peace College,” she said. “I figured I was going to get a job and there was really no way I could go any further, but something told me that was not the right choice for me.”It was at that point that Denlinger decided to come to Buies Creek and Campbell University.. “Don’t ask me why, I don’t have a clue,” she said, “I just got in the car and drove here. But I talked to the Campbell registrar and told him of my situation. For some unknown reason, he allowed me to come to school here. Therein lay the key to the rest of my life, literally.”With the support of the administration and faculty eventually Denlinger and other members of her family were able to graduate from Campbell. All of her siblings received a college education, however.Denlinger received her bachelor’s degree in 1966 and went on to earn both master’s and doctorate degrees from Campbell. She served as superintendent of the Durham Public Schools from 1997-2006, making her one of the longest-serving superintendents in North Carolina, and she was named North Carolina Superintendent of the Year in 2000. Denlinger was also the first school superintendent to receive the Durham Chamber of Commerce Civic Honor Award.Among other honors, she was presented the Jay Robinson Leadership award from the Public School Forum of North Carolina in recognition of her commitment to helping children achieve higher levels of performance. She currently serves as president of the Wake Education Partnership.”Those of you who are going into public education have a daunting task,” Denlinger said. “If we want this country to survive, to continue to do well, we must have educated graduates who can support themselves and their families, particularly in this time in history. Please don’t underestimate your importance in these peoples’ lives.”For her outstanding achievements in education, Denlinger was presented with the School of Education’s Distinguished Service award.Photo Copy: Dr. Ann Denlinger, president of Wake Education Partnership, receives the Distinguished Service award from Campbell University President Dr. Jerry M. Wallace. (Photo by Bennett Scarborough)

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