Tracy Poole

Admissions Assistant

June  2026 SHRA Employee of the Month

Morganton Campus

As a cornerstone of the Office of Admissions at the Morganton Campus, Tracy embodies an exceptional work ethic and a proactive spirit. She doesn’t just meet expectations; she consistently seeks ways to elevate our operations—whether she’s modernizing our social media presence, refining our communications, or offering a world-class welcome to a nervous prospective family with a smile.

Beyond her daily tasks, Tracy is a tireless advocate for the NCSSM mission, frequently volunteering for committees and extra initiatives. What truly sets her apart is her role as the "Mother" of our Morganton team. She acts as a natural mentor, prioritizing the health, wellness, and professional growth of her colleagues. By ensuring her teammates have the tools and support they need to thrive both personally and professionally, she has created a culture of excellence. Tracy is a rising star at NCSSM, and I look forward to seeing her continue to elevate her talents in the years to come.

Taylor Parsons ’09

Assistant to the Vice Chancellor for Student Life & Coord. for SCSSI

June  2026 SHRA Employee of the Month

Durham Campus

Taylor is an amazingly positive individual. He always goes above and beyond to assist staff members in our department. He is accurate and thorough and loves to learn. He works long hours on his own time to make sure issues are completed correctly and on time. 

He has assisted the Budget Department with correcting miscoded P-Card Charges and has shown us how to use AI to separate and rejoin complex financial information. NCSSM needs more staff members like Taylor Parsons!

Kevin Baxter

Vice Chancellor & Chief Campus Officer for NCSSM-Morganton

June  2026 EPS Employee of the Month

Morganton Campus

Kevin is the kind of leader people remember, not because he demands attention, but because he earns respect through his character, consistency, and genuine care for others.

He leads with vision, but also with humility. He knows how to bring people together, make them feel valued, and inspire them to do their best work. Kevin has a rare ability to stay steady under pressure, listen with intention, and make decisions that reflect both wisdom and integrity.

What makes him truly exceptional is not just what he accomplishes, but how he accomplishes it. He lifts people up. He creates trust. He leads by example. He brings out the best in those around him, not through ego or authority, but through encouragement, accountability, and heart.

Kevin is more than a great leader. He is a great person. His kindness, strength, and authenticity leave a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Justin Fleming `04

Interim Chief Information Officer

June  2026 EPS Employee of the Month

Durham Campus

Justin is an amazing CIO who brings vision, strategy, and innovation to education. He understands how technology can support learning, strengthen schools, and create better experiences for students, educators, and staff.

What sets Justin apart is his ability to turn complex challenges into clear, practical solutions. He leads with purpose, thinks ahead, and helps teams stay focused on what matters most.

Justin’s leadership makes a meaningful impact across the education community. He is a thoughtful, forward-looking leader whose work helps shape a stronger future for learning.