Raleigh, N.C. — The Friday Institute for Educational Innovation has selected Maria Pitre-Martin, executive director of the SERVE Center at UNC Greensboro, to receive its 2024 Friday Medal award.
“Dr. Maria Pitre-Martin’s lifelong service to our education community cannot be understated. Her legacy is reflected in a wide range of strategic initiatives and programs with lasting impact from the state administration to the students,” said Krista Glazewski, executive director of the Friday Institute and associate dean for translational research in the NC State College of Education. “She champions efforts to improve educational outcomes for our highest-need communities, and her leadership is marked by a commitment to academic excellence and equity.”
In recognition of the commitment of Bill and Ida Friday to educational excellence, the Friday Medal honors significant, distinguished and enduring contributions to education through advocating for innovation, advancing education and imparting inspiration. This award is given annually to selected individuals who embody the mission and spirit of the Friday Institute.
“I am truly honored to be the recipient of the 2024 Friday Medal and the 26th recipient of this honor,” said Pitre-Martin. “I am an ardent supporter of public education and to be recognized with an honor that embodies the passionate advocacy of educational leaders Bill and Ida Friday brings me joy beyond measure.”
Pitre-Martin is the executive director of the SERVE Center, with $30 million in active funding and over $200 million in contracts and grants over three decades. SERVE provides evidence-based technical assistance, evaluation and research services to organizations across the country. Pitre-Martin has an extensive history of education leadership in different states and has significant leadership experience in North Carolina. She was the executive director of board operations and policy for the North Carolina State Board of Education and the deputy state superintendent, chief academic and digital officer, the state director of K-12 curriculum and instruction, and regional lead coordinator for the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI). She also served as superintendent of Thomasville City Schools in North Carolina, where there were double digit gains in state-mandated test scores, and the district had the highest graduation rate in the county, exceeding the state average.
Outside of North Carolina, Dr. Pitre-Martin held positions as superintendent of Petersburg City Public Schools in Virginia, chief academic officer for The School District of Philadelphia and assistant superintendent for the East Baton Rouge Parish School System in Louisiana. She also served as the director of research and staff development for the Fort Bend Independent School District in Sugar Land, Texas, and the principal of Oakwood Intermediate School in College Station, Texas. In 2002, Pitre-Martin was selected as the Texas Middle School Principal of the Year due to her leadership in leading Oakwood Intermediate School to an exemplary rating with 90% proficiency on state-mandated tests.
The 2024 Friday Medal ceremony will be held at the Friday Institute Nov. 18 from 4-6 p.m. EST. Click here to learn more about the award and to view past recipients.
About the Friday Institute
The Friday Institute for Educational Innovation advances K-12 education through innovation in teaching, learning and leadership by bringing together students, teachers, researchers, policymakers and educational professionals to foster collaborations that improve education for all learners. The Friday Institute for Educational Innovation is part of NC State’s College of Education, one of the leading land-grant colleges of education in the nation.
