EIU Media Relations

EIU educational leaders making an impact across Illinois and beyond

Dr. Kenneth Spells, EIU alum, achieves national distinction as other EIU Education students show eagerness to make an impact

(Charleston, IL) — When Dr. Kenneth Spells reflects on his career in educational leadership, he is quick to share that Eastern Illinois University played an important role in helping prepare him for the work of serving students, families and communities.

Spells, superintendent of Hoke County Schools in North Carolina and a recipient of Eastern Illinois University's Distinguished Educator Award, was recently featured by the national publication District Administration for his leadership approach and commitment to student success. A graduate of EIU's Educational Leadership program, Spells earned both his master's degree and specialist degree from Eastern before embarking on a career that has included leadership positions in Illinois and beyond.

Dr. Kenneth Spells, an alumnus of Eastern Illinois University, became the Superintendent of the Hoke County School District (North Carolina) on January 3, 2024. With more than 25 years of experience in education, Dr. Spells has a proven track record of improving student achievement and community engagement. He recently earned national distinction for his service- and student-centered practices in a recent issue of District Administration, a print and digital media agency serving top K12 leaders at virtually every school district in the U.S.

In the interview, Spells described his philosophy as placing students at the center of every decision while building meaningful relationships throughout the communities his schools serve. He emphasized the importance of listening to families, engaging community members and ensuring every employee—from classroom teachers to transportation and support staff—feels valued as part of the educational mission.

Spells’ recognition reflects a legacy that continues to define Eastern Illinois University's Educational programs: Preparing educators who become transformative leaders in their schools, districts and communities.

That legacy is also evident among the University's current students.

This year, dozens of EIU students were recognized through departmental awards and scholarships honoring academic excellence, professional achievement and commitment to serving Illinois schools. Recipients came from communities across the state, including Charleston, Danville, Decatur, Mahomet, Monticello, Paris, Salem, Urbana, Villa Grove and many others.

More specifically, Educational Leadership students recognized this year represent communities throughout Illinois and exemplify the talent and dedication shaping the future of education. Recipients of the Errett & Mazie Warner Presidential Award included Abigail Boyle of Villa Grove, James Carver of Urbana, Mark Jones of Neoga, Kristen Larner of Maroa, Meghan Lynn of Volo, Ethan Mansfield of Mahomet, Darcy McMahon of Ogden, Sheila Owen of Danville, Sara Pinnell of Paris, Kayla Ross of Monticello, Braden Snyder of Decatur, Jennifer Strawser of Bismarck, Brenden Watson of Danville and Ryan Wohltman of Dieterich. Recipients of the John & Joyce Dively Educational Leadership Scholarship were Jennings Barnfield of Salem, Kori Brimner of Charleston, Sonia Codell of Morton Grove, Haley McPherson of Oblong and Rachel Wright of Oakland. Students receiving the Denver Foltz Educational Leadership Scholarship included Sherrie Blackford of Fairfield, Daniela Coombe of Oakland, Heather England of Macon, Leanna Horton of Peoria, Scott Pedziwiatr of Plainfield and Hannah Yeam of Champaign. The Harry J. Merigis Memorial Education Fund recognized Melissa Morrow of Mahomet and Samantha Pettry of Villa Grove. Recipients of the Hans C. Olsen Scholarship included Hailey Benjamin of Dix, Grant Edwards of Olney, Kayle Noggle of Indianola, Jenna Rich of Beecher City, Benton Singleton of Monticello and Jessica Weise of Marion. The Rohn Family Scholarship in Educational Administration was awarded to Grant Graham of Virden and Shiowa Karsten of Decatur.

Together, the achievements of leaders such as Spells and the accomplishments of today's students highlight Eastern's longstanding role in preparing the next generation of educational leaders.

For decades, EIU has been recognized as one of Illinois' premier institutions for educator preparation. The University's Educational Leadership program has produced more than 500 practicing school administrators serving communities in 82 Illinois counties. Graduates have gone on to become principals, district administrators and superintendents who help shape educational opportunities for students throughout the state.

As Illinois faces ongoing workforce needs in education, Eastern continues to help meet those challenges by preparing highly qualified teachers, principals and administrators who are ready to lead on day one.

The University's efforts align closely with the Illinois Board of Higher Education's strategic vision, A Thriving Illinois, which calls for expanding educational attainment, strengthening workforce development and ensuring communities across the state have access to skilled professionals in critical fields. By educating and supporting future teachers and school leaders, EIU contributes directly to that statewide mission while helping schools build strong pathways to success for future generations.

"Educational leadership is ultimately about service," said David Bartz, senior professor emeritus and longtime faculty member in Educational Leadership, and a former teacher of Spells. "Whether it is graduates like Dr. Spells leading school districts or current students preparing for leadership roles, Eastern continues to develop professionals who are committed to improving opportunities for children, families and communities."

From nationally recognized superintendents to scholarship-winning graduate students, Eastern Illinois University continues to demonstrate why it remains a first-choice destination for aspiring educators and educational leaders throughout Illinois and beyond.

EIU scholarship opportunities are available to explore through a searchable, online tool at eiu.academicworks.com, and help connect prospective and current EIU students with personalized scholarships at the University. Prospective students looking for EIU scholarship opportunities can search for scholarships by keyword, department, field of study, career interests, and more. Students who have already been admitted to the University or who are currently enrolled also can use their EIU Net IDs to log in to the online tool, where their EIU information will automatically pair them with the most useful or recommended scholarships available.

With a streamlined, no-cost application process and access to admissions counselors, prospective EIU students can quickly move from interest to enrollment while exploring scholarship opportunities and campus resources. Interested students can learn more about EIU’s admissions process at eiu.edu/admissions/apply.

EIU prepares students to accomplish their life goals through a combination of quality academics, personal relationships, and both on-campus and online learning opportunities. For more information about Eastern Illinois University, including its broad array of academic and career readiness programs, or any of EIU’s other community-based services and opportunities, visit eiu.edu or call EIU’s public information office at (217) 581-7400.