Dr. Kevin J. Taylor – Spring 2026 Graduate

Name:

Dr. Kevin J. Taylor

Major/Degree Program:

EdD in Educational Leadership

Previous Degree(s):

B.S. in Sports Medicine and Education (1996)
M.A.Ed. in Education (1998)

Hometown/Current City:

I was born in Sanford, NC, and I now call Carolina Beach, NC home.

Hobbies/Interests:

I love being near the water. Surfing and surf-fishing are two of my favorite ways to unwind. I also enjoy woodworking and, most importantly, continuing to grow and serve as an educational leader.

What’s your favorite memory from your time at ECU?

That’s a tough one. ECU has been such a big part of my life for so long. Between my years as a student and my time as a supporter, I’ve spent over three decades connected to Pirate Nation. There isn’t just one memory, it’s a collection of moments that have shaped who I am.

I first came to ECU in 1990 as a 17-year-old, after a last-minute visit during my senior year of high school. I had already committed to UNC-CH and had also considered ASU, but something about ECU just felt right. And after my phone conversation with Chapel Hill, it felt wrong. That decision changed the entire course of my life.

After six years of what was essentially a double major, I became the first college graduate in my family, something I’ll always carry with pride. I stayed at ECU for graduate school, graduating again in 1998 while working toward becoming an athletic trainer.

Along the way, I learned the meaning of “SERVIRE,” met my wife of nearly 30 years at a concert at The Attic (she still jokes that she picked me up at a bar in Greenville), and built friendships and memories that have lasted a lifetime.

If you were at ECU in the 1990s, you know, it was a place where you found yourself. I remember learning about Dr. Leo Jenkins, embracing the underdog mentality, and discovering what it truly meant to be a Pirate. I remember places like the Substation, the old Wright Circle fountain, Omars, LaVista, Gumby Pizza, Garrett Dorm, and Town Commons. But more than anything, I remember the conversations. Sitting around campus, talking about life, faith, dreams, and everything in between. Those moments shaped me in ways I didn’t fully understand at the time.

What inspired you to pursue a career in education?

Honestly, it started with a moment that stuck with me. During the summer of 1996–1997, I volunteered at the Special Olympics in Greenville, and I saw firsthand the impact educators can have. That experience opened my eyes.

From there, my journey into education wasn’t always planned. I often found myself stepping into roles because others believed in me before I believed in myself. Looking back, I’m grateful for those people who saw something in me and pushed me forward.

Who has made the biggest impact on your journey here?

There are so many people who have influenced my path, it’s hard to narrow it down. Former principals certainly played a big role, but my family has been my foundation.

My parents, Harry and Patsy, always supported me. My father, a crime investigator, and my mother, a bookkeeper, were deeply connected in the community. They always knew what I was up to, whether it was good or not. That accountability shaped me.

My in-laws, both educators, also had a lasting impact. I keep a “winner” sculpture from my father-in-law on my desk. It’s a small thing, but it reminds me every day of the standards they set and the belief they had in me.

What’s next after graduation?

For me, it’s about continuing the work that matters. Retirement may come someday, but not yet, I still have more to give.

Education, especially in North Carolina, is facing real challenges. My focus moving forward is on supporting, recruiting, and retaining educators—particularly in rural districts. That’s where I feel called to make a difference.

What advice would you give to future College of Education students?

Build relationships; intentionally and early. Your cohort will become your support system, your sounding board, and your lifelong friends.

These are the people who will help keep you grounded, remind you why you started, and walk alongside you through the highs and lows. Don’t take that for granted.

How has the College of Education prepared you for the classroom (or your next step)?

At one point, being a “scholarly practitioner” was just a phrase to me. Now, it’s part of how I live and lead every day.

Using the PDSA cycle in real-world decision-making, and doing so collaboratively, has completely changed my approach to leadership. I’ve learned that leadership isn’t about controlling relationships. It’s about listening, valuing every voice at the table, and working together to solve complex problems in public education.