Austin Reese – 2026 40 Under Forty Honoree

Name:

Austin Reese

Current job:

Curriculum Administrator/Acting Principal

Degrees awarded by ECU and years received:

Bachelors in Elementary Education, 2016; Masters in Elementary Education, 2020; Teaching Students Living In Poverty Certificate, 2020

Degrees awarded by other institutions and years received:

Post masters certificate in school administration from UNC Greensboro in 2022

What does it mean to you to be selected as a 40 Under Forty honoree?

Being selected as a 40 Under Forty honoree is both humbling and deeply meaningful to me. At 31 years old, stepping into my first principalship and serving my school community has been one of the greatest responsibilities and privileges of my life. This recognition is not just about my individual work. It reflects the collective effort of the teachers, students, mentors, and colleagues who believe in the power of education to change lives.

Education has always been more than a profession to me. It is a calling. Every day I have the opportunity to help create a school culture where students feel seen, teachers feel valued, and families feel connected to the work we are doing together. Being recognized among other leaders under 40 reinforces my belief that leadership is not about titles. It is about service, integrity, and the impact we make in the lives of others.

This honor also represents the responsibility to keep growing. The work of education requires resilience, reflection, and a commitment to always doing better for the children and communities we serve. I hope to continue leading in ways that empower others, strengthen schools, and create opportunities for students to discover their potential.

Ultimately, being selected as a 40 Under Forty honoree reminds me why this work matters. If my leadership helps even one student believe in their future or one teacher feel supported in their purpose, then I know I am doing the work I was meant to do.

Looking back, what moment during your time at ECU had the biggest impact on your career path?

Looking back, some of the most impactful moments during my time at East Carolina University came during the times when things were not easy. Like many students, I faced challenges and moments of adversity that tested my confidence and made me question whether I was on the right path. Those experiences, however, became defining moments in my journey.

What made the biggest difference was the support of the professors and mentors who believed in me and took the time to guide me through those difficult periods. They challenged me to grow, held me to high expectations, and reminded me why I chose education in the first place. Their encouragement and mentorship helped me push through obstacles and continue pursuing the work I felt called to do.

Those experiences shaped the kind of leader I strive to be today. They taught me the importance of perseverance, the power of mentorship, and the impact that one person’s belief in you can have on your future. Because of the support I received at ECU, I carry that same commitment forward in my own work, making sure the students and educators I serve feel supported, encouraged, and capable of achieving their goals.

Is there a professor or mentor at ECU that still influences you today?

Jane Manner and Patricia Anderson 

What accomplishment in your career are you most proud of so far?

One of the accomplishments I am most proud of so far in my career is stepping into a school leadership role at a young age and being trusted to help lead a school community. At 31, serving as a school leader has given me the opportunity to support teachers, build strong systems for student success, and help create a culture where students feel valued and capable of achieving their goals.

What makes this accomplishment meaningful to me is not the title itself, but the impact that comes with it. I am proud of the work we do each day to strengthen instruction, support educators, and ensure that every student has the opportunity to grow and succeed. Seeing teachers feel empowered in their classrooms and watching students gain confidence in their abilities reminds me why I chose this profession.

I am also proud that my journey to this point has required perseverance, reflection, and a commitment to continuous growth. The responsibility of leadership has pushed me to become a better listener, problem solver, and advocate for both students and staff. Knowing that the work I do contributes to a positive school environment and stronger opportunities for children is the accomplishment that means the most to me.

What does leadership look like to you?

To me, leadership is about service, integrity, and creating opportunities for others to succeed. It means showing up each day with the responsibility to support the people around you and to make decisions that put the needs of the community first. In education, leadership is not about authority or position. It is about building trust, listening, and helping others grow.

I believe strong leaders create environments where people feel valued and empowered. For me, that means supporting teachers so they can do their best work, encouraging students to believe in their abilities, and building a school culture where collaboration and respect are at the center of everything we do.

Leadership also requires resilience and reflection. Challenges are inevitable, but how we respond to them shapes the kind of leader we become. I believe in leading with humility, continuing to learn, and always focusing on the impact our work has on the lives of others. When students thrive, teachers feel supported, and a community grows stronger, that is what leadership looks like to me.

Service and social responsibility are central to the 40 Under Forty recognition. How do you strive to make a positive impact in your community?

Service and social responsibility are central to the work I do each day. As an educator and school leader, I strive to make a positive impact by creating meaningful connections between our school and the community we serve. At Banks Elementary, we intentionally create opportunities for students, families, and community partners to be involved in school life so that learning extends beyond the classroom and students understand the importance of contributing to something larger than themselves.

One way we do this is by hosting events that bring families and community members into the school. Through family engagement nights, academic celebrations, and schoolwide events, we work to ensure that families feel welcomed and connected to the learning taking place at Banks. Our PTO plays a vital role in this work by supporting school initiatives, helping organize events, and strengthening the partnership between the school and the families we serve.

In addition, I helped start a mentorship program that connects students with caring adults in our school community. Through this program, mentors meet regularly with students to build relationships, offer encouragement, and support their academic and personal growth. The goal is to ensure that students have another trusted adult in their corner who believes in them and helps guide them as they navigate school and life. Programs like this help strengthen the bond between the school and the community while also giving students meaningful support and positive role models.

Service learning is also an important part of how we build social responsibility in our students. At Banks, we have organized projects that allow students to give back to the community, such as collecting items and creating support initiatives for our local animal shelter and partnering with nursing homes to bring encouragement and connection to residents. These experiences help students understand empathy, kindness, and the value of helping others.

I also believe strongly in giving students opportunities to lead. Through programs like Science Olympiad, students are encouraged to explore their curiosity, work collaboratively, and represent our school through academic competition and innovation. Within the school, we intentionally create leadership opportunities for students across all classrooms, including empowering students in our EC classrooms to take active roles in learning and school activities so that every child feels included and capable of contributing.

Ultimately, making a positive impact in the community means helping students see that their actions matter. By connecting learning, leadership, and service, we aim to develop not only strong students but also compassionate individuals who understand the importance of giving back and making their communities stronger.

What advice would you give current ECU students who want to create meaningful impact in their careers and communities?

My advice to current students at East Carolina University would be to stay connected to your purpose and remember that meaningful impact often starts with small, consistent actions. Early in your career, it can be easy to focus on titles or the next step, but the most important thing you can do is commit to doing meaningful work where you are and serving the people around you well.

Do not be afraid of challenges or adversity along the way. Some of the most important growth happens in the moments that stretch you the most. Lean on your professors, mentors, and peers during those times. The relationships you build at ECU can become some of the most important sources of guidance and encouragement throughout your career.

I would also encourage students to look for ways to give back and get involved in their communities. Whether that is through service projects, leadership opportunities, or mentoring others, those experiences shape your perspective and remind you that the work you do has the potential to impact lives beyond yourself.

Most importantly, stay curious and never stop learning. The leaders who make the greatest impact are those who continue to grow, reflect, and adapt throughout their careers. If you remain committed to serving others, working with integrity, and lifting up the people around you, you will create the kind of meaningful impact that lasts far beyond your time as a student.