University of Mount Olive Announces New School of Education

Rhonda Jessup, Director of Public Relations

The University of Mount Olive (UMO) has officially launched its new School of Education, a move that strengthens its long-standing commitment to preparing educators and leaders for North Carolina’s classrooms.

“In consideration of the current climate in public education, the creation of a new School of Education is both timely and strategic,” said UMO President Dr. H. Edward Croom. “Our graduates are already recognized as well-prepared and highly effective teachers. With this new structure, UMO will have greater autonomy and focus, positioning us to better respond to the teacher shortage and leadership needs in our state.”

Previously organized as a division within the School of Arts and Sciences, education programs at UMO will now operate under the leadership of Dr. Amanda Bullard-Maxwell, Dean of the School of Education. The School will house undergraduate, UMO online, and graduate programs, including UMO’s newly added Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership, which leads to superintendent licensure in North Carolina.

“Our vision is to prepare teachers and leaders who are not only skilled but also compassionate and deeply committed to the communities they serve,” said Dr. Bullard-Maxwell. “The launch of the School of Education marks more than just a milestone for UMO, it is also an investment in the future of our schools, our communities, and the next generation of educators.”

The UMO School of Education includes a wide range of programs, such as:

• Undergraduate: Elementary Education, Health and Physical Education, Mathematics Education, Music Education, Science Education, and Special Education.

• UMO Online: Early Childhood Education (non-licensure), Teacher Education

Licensure, and Teacher Education Residency.

• Graduate: Master of Education in Educational Leadership.

• Doctorate: Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership.

UMO’s education program is designed to meet the evolving challenges of today’s increasingly diverse classrooms. Teachers need strong preparation in differentiated instruction, equity, and culturally responsive teaching to meet the wide range of learning needs in today’s schools. UMO has strengthened its teacher preparation program to address these needs aligning field experiences like tutoring, classroom observation, and practicum teaching with coursework. Students don’t just learn about teaching strategies in theory, they apply them in partner school classrooms under supervision. Early and continuous clinical exposure helps bridge the theory-practice gap, builds confidence, and improves classroom readiness. In addition, UMO provides extensive training in how to adapt lesson plans, assessments, and instructional methods to different learners’ abilities and learning styles. Students also learn to integrate educational technology into lesson planning and instruction. Coursework includes teaching ethics, professionalism, and collaboration with families and school staff. Additionally, students receive preparation for passing required Praxis and other licensure exams, integrated directly into their coursework.

“The UMO School of Education will continue to work closely with local districts, including initiatives like our Homegrown Teacher Academy in Duplin County,” said Dr. Bullard-Maxwell. “We believe in building pipelines that encourage future educators to return to and remain in the communities they know best, especially in rural areas where teacher shortages are greatest.”

The new structure elevates UMO’s position among regional institutions offering teacher education. It brings increased visibility and opportunities for growth through grants, partnerships, and innovative initiatives.

Croom concluded, “By preparing educators who are equipped, compassionate, and committed to excellence, UMO is not just graduating teachers, we are also shaping the future of education in Eastern North Carolina and beyond.”