Press release from the Asheville City Schools Board of Education:
The Asheville City Schools Board of Education is pleased to announce the selection and appointment of Dr. Denise Patterson as the next superintendent of the Asheville City Schools (ACS). Dr. Patterson will take office on July 1, 2017.
During the search process, the board carefully reviewed applications from a diverse field of 52 excellent candidates. In addition, members of the Community Advisory Team (the “CAT”) spent many hours attending and participating in community forums and other meetings and reviewing redacted applications so they could suggest possible candidates to the Board of Education.
Although many qualified candidates applied, the board felt that Dr. Patterson’s leadership, experience, and dedication to students would best serve ACS students, staff, and the community for years to come. The board is confident that Dr. Patterson will lead the school system to even higher achievement.
Dr. Patterson has enjoyed a successful career in public education spanning over 20 years in North Carolina. Since 2012, she has served as an assistant superintendent for the Hickory City Schools. Prior to her current position, Dr. Patterson served as an associate superintendent for the Union County Public Schools (2008-2012). Dr. Patterson previously served as an assistant principal and principal in the Lincoln County Schools (2000-2008). She began her career in public education as a teacher in Lincolnton, North Carolina. Dr. Patterson has taught education courses as an adjunct professor at Gardner-Webb University and Wingate University.
Dr. Patterson has an impressive academic background as well, including a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She went on to obtain a master’s degree in elementary education from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, a master’s degree in school administration from Gardner-Webb University, and a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She has participated in the North Carolina Aspiring Superintendent Fellows Program, and she is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
Dr. Patterson looks forward to the opportunity to lead the Asheville City Schools and becoming an active member of the community. Dr. Patterson has issued the following statement about the position:
“It is an honor and blessing to be selected as the superintendent for Asheville City Schools. I look forward to collaborating with the board of education, district staff, school staff, students, and the community.”
Please join the board in welcoming Dr. Denise Patterson as the new superintendent of Asheville City Schools.
Congratulations Dr. Pattertson, Asheville has made an extraordinary choice.