Superintendent of the Year
Message from Superintendent of the Year
A Message from Dr. Eisa Cox
Superintendent, Ashe County Schools | 2026 NWRESA Superintendent of the Year
It is an incredible honor to serve as the 2026 NWRESA Superintendent of the Year. I am deeply grateful for this recognition and for the opportunity to lead alongside so many dedicated and passionate educators in Region 7. This honor reflects the collective commitment of the students, educators, families, and community members of Ashe County and across our region who work tirelessly every day to support, uplift, and inspire public education.
In a time when the challenges facing our schools are complex, our response must be courageous, student-centered, and rooted in purpose. I firmly believe that the future of our communities depends on what we do together today in our classrooms, our school board meetings, and our community partnerships. As superintendents, we are called not only to lead but also to listen—to be visionaries and problem solvers, advocates and collaborators.
Through NWRESA, we are connected by a shared commitment to excellence for all students. The professional learning, regional partnerships, and collective advocacy efforts of this organization elevate our ability to lead with clarity, compassion, and courage. I am proud to be part of a network that continually champions innovation and works to ensure every student across our region has access to the opportunities they deserve.
Thank you for your continued dedication and leadership. Together, we are shaping a brighter future for the children of North Carolina.
Sincerely,
Dr. Eisa Cox
Superintendent, Ashe County Schools
About Dr. Eisa Cox
Dr. Eisa Cox serves as Superintendent of Ashe County Schools and was named the 2026 Superintendent of the Year by the Northwest Regional Educational Service Alliance (NWRESA). A visionary and student-centered leader, Dr. Cox has spearheaded transformative initiatives that have strengthened academic performance, expanded career and technical education pathways, and increased access to early learning and essential student support services.
Under her leadership, Ashe County Schools has been recognized as one of North Carolina's top-performing districts and has earned multiple state and national honors for closing achievement gaps—including designation as a National Blue Ribbon School and a National "School to Watch." In 2025, Dr. Cox accepted the NCASA Raymond Sarbaugh Leadership Award on behalf of her leadership team for outstanding service during Hurricane Helene, and in 2024, she received the prestigious NCSSA Dr. Brad Sneeden Leadership Award.
Over the past five years, Ashe County Schools has achieved record-setting gains in graduation rates, workforce credentials, and dual-enrollment participation. Dr. Cox is also a mentor to new and aspiring superintendents across North Carolina and serves in several key leadership roles, including Chair of NWRESA (2024–25), Co-Chair of NCSSA Women in the Lead, member of the North Carolina Governor's School Board of Governors, and Chair of the Appalachian State University Public School Partnership (2023–25).
Respected for her innovation, collaborative leadership, and commitment to excellence, Dr. Cox is a fierce advocate for public education and is dedicated to ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive.
