Two FSU Alumnae are Cumberland County Schools’ 2025 Principal and Assistant Principal of the Year

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – Cumberland County Schools (CCS) announced two Fayetteville State University College of Education Alumnae as the 2025 Principal and Assistant Principal of the Year award winners during their annual “Of the Year” Gala on Sept. 3.

Shanessa Fenner, Ed.D, was celebrated as Principal of the Year for her role leading William T. Brown Elementary School. In 2010 she completed her doctoral degree at FSU. Jernise Flood Rucker, was honored as Assistant Principal for her leadership role at Westarea Elementary School. She is currently enrolled in FSU’s Doctor of Education program and received her bachelor’s degree from the university in 2008.

“We are extremely proud of Dr. Fenner and Assistant Principal Rucker for winning Cumberland County Schools’ coveted awards and continuing a history of Bronco educators succeeding right here in the Fayetteville-area community,” said Chandrika Johnson, Ph.D., dean of FSU's College of Education (COE). “Not only are we a leading producer of educators, but we also have a legacy of great leaders in education. These two amazing professionals are evidence of that, congratulations.”

Fenner started her career with CCS in 2002 as an assistant principal at Max Abbott Middle School before assuming her current role. “I was shocked, emotional and exhilarated all at once,” said Fenner describing what she felt when her name was announced at the gala.

After starting her teaching career immediately after graduation, Rucker joined CCS in 2014 as a 3rd-grade teacher and grade-level chair at Westarea Elementary School. “I could not believe it,” she said. “I felt like a child in that moment – happy, excited, surprised,” Rucker added.

Both shared a sense of pride from their work receiving distinguished acknowledgment. “I am an educator of 15 years. I remember staying at school into the night, a lot.” Rucker said. “Receiving such an honor makes me feel appreciated and confirms my dedication and commitment to our students is evident in my work.”

“It feels great to be recognized for my hard work,” said Fenner, “and there is something special about being acknowledge as the best. This award inspires me to continue my valuable work.”

They also said FSU was vital in preparing them for career success. Both emphasized being equipped to be an effective educator and leader and highlighted the COE’s supportive faculty. "FSU played an integral role in my development and supportive professors equipped me with the tools of educational knowledge, leadership skills and abilities, dedication to excellence and a passion for educating our future babies,” Fenner said.

“It is an environment where learning is strategic and intentional” Rucker said. “I am currently enrolled in the doctoral program at FSU and the program has intensified my passion as an educational leader.”

“Our Premier Professionals exemplify the commitment, innovation and passion that drive student success in Cumberland County Schools,” CCS Superintendent Dr. Marvin Connelly, Jr. said in a press release. “These honorees are not just educators; they are leaders who inspire and uplift our students every day.”

To learn more about the 2025 Principal and Assistant Principal of the Year winners, read CCS’s full press release.