Mariah Walker ’06, ’10MED, ’12MSA, 24PHD: ‘Education Is Not Just a Career; It Is a Calling to Serve, Empower and Make a Lasting Difference’

Mariah Walker ’10MED, ’12MSA, 24PHD will be the student speaker at NC State’s College of Education graduation on Dec. 13, 2024, in Reynolds Coliseum. She has worked for the Wake County Public School System as a teacher, assistant principal and principal, and currently serves as the principal of the Wake Young Women’s Leadership Academy, the only single-gender girls public high school in North Carolina. As she prepares to graduate with a doctoral degree in educational leadership, she hopes to continue to make a transformative impact on the lives of public school students in North Carolina. 

Hometown: Raleigh, North Carolina

Degree: Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership

Why did you choose the NC State College of Education?

I chose the NC State College of Education because of its strong reputation for cultivating innovative and effective educational leaders in our state. Growing up on campus, I developed a deep connection to the university’s culture of excellence and the beauty of lifelong learning. The college’s emphasis on cutting edge creativity and research, along with my interest in creating transformative educational experiences for North Carolina public schools and my love of my hometown, made NC State home! 

What’s next for you?

After graduation, I plan to continue serving as a principal in the Wake County Public School System, where I am currently entering my eighth year as a school principal. My career has allowed me to work with children from six weeks old to 23 years old, and I plan to continue contributing to the bright future of public school students in our state. 

How has the College of Education prepared you for that next step?

Through the rigorous academic programs and the incredible support of my professors, I have gained new knowledge, confidence and vision to advocate for public school students, influence educational policies and lead initiatives that create meaningful and lasting change.

What do you hope to accomplish in your field?

I hope to foster a culture of innovation, collaboration and inclusivity, leaving a legacy of transformative leadership that strengthens public schools and uplifts families and communities across our state and beyond.

Why did you choose education?

I chose education because it is a field rooted in value, empathy and the power to inspire and uplift others. Education represents purpose-filled work, where every effort contributes to shaping brighter futures and stronger communities. I am passionate about giving back to a system that changed my life by investing in students, families and educators who deserve every opportunity to succeed. For me, education is not just a career; it is a calling to serve, empower and make a lasting difference. 

This post was originally published in College of Education News.