NC Awards Support Letter of Henry Johnson

Dear NC Awards Selection Committee:

This letter is written in support of Dr. Dudley Flood to receive the North Carolina Award. Dr. Flood has served k-12 public school children in North Carolina for more than 60 years. His service includes roles as a teacher, coach, principal and senior administrator at the NC Department of Public Instruction (DPI). Further, his service on the UNC Board of Governors has impacted higher education. I have known Dr. Flood for over 45 of those years.

I met him at DPI on my first day as a consultant in the Exceptional Children Division. My immediate supervisor wanted him to be among the first DPI staff with whom I interacted. He has served as inspiration from that day. Further, he has served, and continues to serve, as a wonderful role model for a multitude of practicing and aspiring administrators. Among the many words of wisdom that I received from him, one set was particularly both inspirational and practical. His advice was to “Live within your means so that a threat of losing a job will not influence you to support something that you know is not right.”

Dr. Flood has a tremendous history of public service. He epitomizes the role of servant- leader. Among the many other ways that he has positively influenced public education is his service as leader of the North Carolina Association of School Administrators, teaching at various colleges and universities, and speaking in all fifty states and several countries. In each of these activities the theme of improving educational outcomes for all students undergirds his message. In my current role as professor of Practice at NCSU I frequently invite Dr. Flood to speak with my doctoral and master level classes. His experience, insights and wisdom are a valuable part of helping to build the knowledge base, enhance the skill set and encourage proper dispositions of education leaders.

One other example of his impact is in order. Several years ago a group of community leaders initiated a discussion on how to inform, encourage and engage community members to help improve educational outcomes of minority and/or poor students. The group decided to call the initiative The Flood Group, in honor of Dr. Flood. His advice and wisdom continues to help guide these efforts.

In summary, I can think of no more deserving person to receive this honor. Thank you for allowing me to share my thoughts.

Henry L. Johnson