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Wendy Frye honored for leadership of career tech programs

By Lightning Reports, Published: February 26, 2021

Wendy Frye, director of High Schools and Career and Technical Education for Henderson County Public Schools, has been named the 2020-2021 North Carolina Association for Career and Technical Education Administrative Division Administrator of the Year.

The award recognizes administrative career and technical education professionals at the school, district, county, or state level in the 115 public school systems in North Carolina. The nominees must have demonstrated outstanding leadership in ensuring teacher and student success and have made significant contributions toward innovative, unique and effective CTE programs.

Dr. Frye has recently brought over $650,000 in grant funds to HCPS in support of drone technology, agriscience, skilled trades, coding, mechatronics as well as increased resources to middle school career development. Additionally, she has worked closely with Blue Ridge Community College, Henderson County Partnership for Economic Development, and the Hendersonville Chamber of Commerce to increase apprenticeship opportunities for students. Dr. Frye has also provided statewide professional development in Honors Portfolio Development and Differentiation for the CTE Classroom. While working as a regional coordinator for NCDPI, she oversaw the CTE Administrative Internship program for new CTE directors across the state.

Laura Leatherwood, President of Blue Ridge Community College, said: “Dr. Frye is skilled at building teams, creating buy-in and engaging others with her can do and positive attitude. She values the power of collaboration and partnership to impact and improve the communities of our region.”

Effective March 1, Frye will assume her new role as the district’s Assistant Superintendent for Instructional Services. 

Frye will be North Carolina’s nominee for Region II which covers 11 southeastern states and Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and the Bahamas.