Category: Press Releases

ACTE Announces Nevada Associate Professor and Program Coordinator at the University of Nevada as National Award Finalist 

ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Associate Professor and Program Coordinator of Career-Technical and Postsecondary Education at the University of Nevada in Las Vegas, NV as the 2026 ACTE Region V Teacher Educator of the Year. This award recognizes the finest career and technical education (CTE) educators at the middle/secondary school level who have demonstrated innovation in the classroom, commitment to their students and dedication to the improvement of CTE in their institutions and communities.   

A respected leader in the field, Dr. Xing’s work is at the forefront of research and innovation in career and technical education. Her scholarship focuses on college and career readiness, personalized career pathways, and workforce development for adult learners. She has secured over $637,000 in funding across 11 projects that address vital CTE priorities, including workforce training pipelines (such as the UNLV Tech Ready Rebels), return on investment in CTE programs, and equitable workforce access across Nevada. 

A dedicated curriculum developer and thought leader, Dr. Xing authored High-Quality CTE Programs: Access and Supports for ACTE’s national High-Quality CTE Course Series. She also created the Career Navigation, Life Design, and Professionalism course, which has been adopted by the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services. 

Her impact at UNLV is profound. In 2020, she led the development of a data-driven needs assessment model that resulted in major program improvements and the launch of new CTE offerings. She also co-founded Nevada’s first Alternative Route to Licensure (ARL) CTE program and later introduced the Accelerated A-ARL track, broadening access to teaching careers for working professionals. 

Over the course of her career, Dr. Xing has advised more than 50 graduate students and taught over 300 pre- and in-service teachers. Her work has been recognized nationally with numerous fellowships and honors, including the 2020 AERA Minority Meta-Analysis Fellowship, 2021 ACTE-ECMC NextLevel Postsecondary CTE Leadership Fellowship, and the 2022 ACTE Inclusion, Access, Equity, and Diversity Leadership Fellowship, among others. She is also the recipient of the Outstanding Beginning Scholar Award and the UNLV Distinguished Research Award. 

With a passion for equity, innovation, and workforce readiness, Dr. Xing continues to shape the future of CTE education, both in Nevada and across the country.  

Xing is one of five finalists for the 2026 national title. The national winner will be announced at the ACTE Awards Gala, an award presentation recognizing the best CTE educators in the country. The event will take place on December 9, at 7:00 p.m. The Awards Gala is sponsored by Goodheart-Willcox. The Army, and Stratasys. For more information about the ACTE Excellence Awards, visit our webpage.  

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About ACTE
The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) is the nation’s largest not-for-profit association committed to the advancement of education that prepares youth and adults for successful careers. ACTE represents the community of CTE professionals, including educators, administrators, researchers, school counselors, guidance and career development professionals and others at all levels of education. ACTE is committed to excellence in providing advocacy, public awareness and access to resources, professional development and leadership opportunities.  

ACTE Announces Arkansas Teacher
as National Award Finalist 

ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Christina Loyd, Family and Consumer Science Teacher at Nemo Vista High School, in Center Ridge, AR as the 2026 ACTE Region IV Teacher Educator of the Year. This award recognizes the finest career and technical education (CTE) educators at the middle, secondary and post-secondary school level who have demonstrated innovation in the classroom, commitment to their students and dedication to the improvement of CTE in their institutions and communities.  

Christina Loyd, a Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) teacher, UACCM instructor, and FCCLA advisor from Center Ridge, Arkansas, has dedicated more than 20 years to inspiring students and advancing career and technical education (CTE). With certifications in early childhood education, middle childhood education across multiple subjects, and Family and Consumer Sciences for grades 7–12, along with a master’s degree in gifted education, Loyd brings a wealth of expertise and passion to the classroom.  

An avid advocate for both FCS and CTE, Loyd is deeply committed to equipping students with the essential life and career skills needed for long-term success. Her leadership extends beyond the classroom through her involvement with the Arkansas Association of Teachers of Family and Consumer Sciences (AATFCS), Arkansas ACTE, NATFCS, and the National FCCLA Consultant Team. She has also been recognized with numerous honors, including the ArACTE Carl Perkins Teacher of the Year, ArACTE Teacher of the Year, ArACTE Educator of the Year, FCCLA Master Advisor, FCCLA Educated Advisor, 2025 Top 5 FCCLA in the Nation, and PBS Invention Fellow. Most recently, she was honored as the Region IV Teacher Educator of the Year at the Region IV conference. 

Loyd’s impact also reaches her peers through professional development presentations at both the state and national levels, where she shares her knowledge and experience to strengthen the field of education. She recently began coursework with the Arkansas Leadership Academy to become a Lead Teacher in the state, and she has been named an ACTE National Experienced FCS Fellow. 

Loyd is one of five finalists for the 2026 national title. The national winner will be announced at the ACTE Awards Gala, an award presentation recognizing the best CTE educators in the country. The event will take place on December 9, at 7:00 p.m. The Awards Gala is sponsored by Goodheart-Willcox. The Army, and Stratasys. For more information about the ACTE Excellence Awards, visit our webpage.  

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About ACTE
The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) is the nation’s largest not-for-profit association committed to the advancement of education that prepares youth and adults for successful careers. ACTE represents the community of CTE professionals, including educators, administrators, researchers, school counselors, guidance and career development professionals and others at all levels of education. ACTE is committed to excellence in providing advocacy, public awareness and access to resources, professional development and leadership opportunities.  

ACTE Announces Minnesota Professor 
as National Award Finalist 

ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Jill Conlon, Professor at Minnesota State University – Mankato, in Mankato, MN as the 2026 ACTE Region III Teacher Educator of the Year. This award recognizes the finest career and technical education (CTE) educators at the middle, secondary and post-secondary school level who have demonstrated innovation in the classroom, commitment to their students and dedication to the improvement of CTE in their institutions and communities.  

Dr. Jill Conlon, a lifelong advocate for Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) Education and a true “teacher for the teachers,” has dedicated more than 30 years to preparing the next generation of educators. Recently retired as a full professor in the Department of Family Consumer Science at Minnesota State University – Mankato, Dr. Conlon led both undergraduate and graduate FCS Teacher Education programs and served as department chair. Her work has shaped the curriculum in Minnesota and beyond, while also inspiring and mentoring hundreds of future educators. 

Dr. Conlon began her career teaching in the high school classroom in Owatonna, MN, before moving into higher education, where she taught a broad range of courses from Educational Methodology and Career and Technical Education (CTE) Program Development to Clothing Construction and Textiles. In Minnesota, FCS Education is a licensed 5–12 teaching field, with coursework ranging from Personal Finance, Culinary, Foods & Nutrition, Housing, Child Development, and Family Studies, to Clothing and Textiles—all designed to build career and college readiness skills. 

A recognized leader in CTE, Dr. Conlon is celebrated for her innovation and commitment to addressing workforce challenges in education. She developed an online graduate certificate program that has licensed new FCS teachers at a time of critical shortages, created statewide FCS Education Frameworks, co-authored research on educator support, and founded the annual “FACS to the Max” conference to strengthen connections between education, industry, and communities. 

Her impact extends beyond the classroom through professional service, advocacy, and the mentorship of emerging educators. Dr. Conlon holds a Ph.D. in FCS Education from Iowa State University, an M.S. in Home Economics and a B.S. in Home Economics Education from Mankato State University, and a B.S. in Clothing, Textiles, and Design from the University of Wisconsin–Stout. 

Outside of her professional work, she enjoys Minnesota’s four seasons, sewing, cooking, spending time at the lake, cheering on sports, and being with her family—who she believes are life’s greatest asset. 

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Conlon is one of five finalists for the 2026 national title. The national winner will be announced at the ACTE Awards Gala, an award presentation recognizing the best CTE educators in the country. The event will take place on December 9, at 7:00 p.m. The Awards Gala is sponsored by Goodheart-Willcox. The Army, and Stratasys. For more information about the ACTE Excellence Awards, visit our webpage.  

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About ACTE
The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) is the nation’s largest not-for-profit association committed to the advancement of education that prepares youth and adults for successful careers. ACTE represents the community of CTE professionals, including educators, administrators, researchers, school counselors, guidance and career development professionals and others at all levels of education. ACTE is committed to excellence in providing advocacy, public awareness and access to resources, professional development and leadership opportunities.  

ACTE Announces Tennessee 
EPP Supervisor as National Award Finalist 

ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Ulla Carr, EPP Supervisor at Knox County Schools (KCS), in Knoxville, TN as the 2026 ACTE Region II Teacher Educator of the Year. This award recognizes the finest career and technical education (CTE) educators at the middle, secondary and post-secondary school level who have demonstrated innovation in the classroom, commitment to their students and dedication to the improvement of CTE in their institutions and communities.  

Ulla Carr, the Educator Preparation Program (EPP) Supervisor at Knox County Schools in Tennessee, is recognized for her leadership in preparing the next generation of Career and Technical Education (CTE) teachers. She is currently leading her sixth cohort of CTE educators toward licensure and classroom success through a comprehensive program that combines coursework, coaching, and mentoring. Serving 17 school districts, the KCS EPP is projected to celebrate its 100th graduate next school year. 

Carr’s impact extends beyond her district. She serves on the State Board of Education’s Licensure Review Committee and previously contributed to the TDoE’s Educator Preparation Working Group from 2021–2023. She has also played an active role in professional organizations, including her service on the Tennessee ACTE (TNACTE) board, where she was president from 2021–2023. In these roles, she has helped influence teacher education policy and professional standards across the state. 

Before becoming EPP Supervisor, Carr was a CTE Specialist for Knox County Schools, responsible for the professional development of nearly 200 CTE instructors and supporting new teachers as they entered the classroom. She also served as a CTE Literacy Common Core Coach for the Tennessee Department of Education, working across East Tennessee to strengthen instructional practices. Earlier in her career, she taught Business and German at West High School in Knoxville for ten years, where she held positions as Lead Teacher, Department Chair, Lead Mentor, and Professional Development Specialist for the district’s CTE Department. 

Carr holds an Education Specialist degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Tennessee, where she graduated with a 4.0 GPA, as well as a master’s degree in business education from Friedrich-Schiller-University in Jena, Germany. Her certifications include a PreK–12 Educational Administration License and a Tennessee Professional Teacher License in Business Education and German. 

Through her leadership, innovation, and dedication, Carr has made a lasting impact on teacher preparation in Tennessee. By building strong support systems, mentoring, and professional development, she continues to strengthen the field of CTE and inspire excellence in classrooms across the state. 

Carr is one of five finalists for the 2026 national title. The national winner will be announced at the ACTE Awards Gala, an award presentation recognizing the best CTE educators in the country. The event will take place on December 9, at 7:00 p.m. The Awards Gala is sponsored by Goodheart-Willcox. The Army, and Stratasys. For more information about the ACTE Excellence Awards, visit our webpage.  

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About ACTE
The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) is the nation’s largest not-for-profit association committed to the advancement of education that prepares youth and adults for successful careers. ACTE represents the community of CTE professionals, including educators, administrators, researchers, school counselors, guidance and career development professionals and others at all levels of education. ACTE is committed to excellence in providing advocacy, public awareness and access to resources, professional development and leadership opportunities.  

ACTE Announces Maryland 
Director and Professor of CTE as National Award Finalist 

ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Tyler S. Love, Director and Professor of CTE at University of Maryland Eastern Shore, in Baltimore, MD as the 2026 ACTE Region I Teacher Educator of the Year. This award recognizes the finest career and technical education (CTE) educators at the middle, secondary and post-secondary school level who have demonstrated innovation in the classroom, commitment to their students and dedication to the improvement of CTE in their institutions and communities.  

Dr. Tyler Love, a faculty member in the Department of the Built Environment at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES), is earning national recognition for his leadership in Career and Technical Education (CTE), educator preparation, and school safety. A proud alumnus of UMES, a land-grant Historically Black College and University (HBCU), Dr. Love currently serves as the university’s Director of CTE Programs and Coordinator of Technology and Engineering Teacher Preparation.  

As the only tenured professor of CTE in Maryland, Dr. Love has led groundbreaking efforts to expand educator preparation pathways across the state. He developed Maryland’s first higher education commission-approved undergraduate and graduate certificate programs in CTE teaching licensure, work-based learning (WBL), and career counseling. These fully online programs have helped Maryland build a stronger pipeline of qualified CTE teachers, WBL coordinators, and career coaches—ultimately supporting student career and college readiness. 

To further support the development of the CTE workforce, Dr. Love has secured more than $1 million in grant funding for initiatives focused on STEM and CTE professional development and on recruiting students from underrepresented backgrounds into STEM teacher education programs.  

A nationally respected scholar, Dr. Love’s research centers on safety in CTE and STEM learning environments. He has authored or co-authored over 100 publications—including books, academic standards documents, state safety guides, and journal articles—and is a leading voice on facility overcrowding, instructional risk mitigation, and best practices in hands-on education. His practitioner-focused resources, including new CTE and STEM safety guides for the Delaware and Pennsylvania Departments of Education, have been widely used by educators across the country. His work has received more than 43,000 reads on ResearchGate and holds a Google Scholar h-index of 19 and i10-index of 37. 

In 2018, Dr. Love was named Safety Educator of the Year by CareerSafe in recognition of his impactful contributions to school safety. 

Through his visionary leadership, cutting-edge research, and unwavering dedication to preparing the next generation of CTE professionals, Dr. Tyler Love continues to elevate the field of career and technical education in Maryland and beyond. 

Love is one of five finalists for the 2026 national title. The national winner will be announced at the ACTE Awards Gala, an award presentation recognizing the best CTE educators in the country. The event will take place on December 9, at 7:00 p.m. The Awards Gala is sponsored by Goodheart-Willcox. The Army, and Stratasys. For more information about the ACTE Excellence Awards, visit our webpage.  

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About ACTE
The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) is the nation’s largest not-for-profit association committed to the advancement of education that prepares youth and adults for successful careers. ACTE represents the community of CTE professionals, including educators, administrators, researchers, school counselors, guidance and career development professionals and others at all levels of education. ACTE is committed to excellence in providing advocacy, public awareness and access to resources, professional development and leadership opportunities.  

ACTE Announces Utah Associate Professor, as National Award Winner 

ALEXANDRIA, VA—The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Tyson Sorensen, Associate Professor at Utah State University, in Logan, UT as the 2026 ACTE Region V Postsecondary Professional of the Year. This award recognizes the finest career and technical education (CTE) educators at the postsecondary school level who have demonstrated innovation in the classroom, commitment to their students and dedication to the improvement of CTE in their institutions and communities. 

Dr. Tyson Sorensen, Associate Professor in the Applied Sciences, Technology, and Education Department at Utah State University (USU), is making a lasting impact on the future of Career and Technical Education (CTE) through his leadership, innovation, and mentorship. Since joining the faculty in 2015, Dr. Sorensen has taught a wide range of undergraduate and graduate CTE courses, all while developing programs that challenge students to think critically and engage in real-world issues. 

A passionate educator and program developer, Dr. Sorensen is the driving force behind several key initiatives that support both current and future CTE teachers. He established and led a student teaching abroad program for USU’s CTE pre-service teachers, giving them valuable international teaching experience and a global perspective. In addition, he has launched multiple professional development programs designed to strengthen CTE instruction, including a global engagement series, a mentoring and support program for new teachers, and the CTE Teaching Academy, which helps new teachers complete the coursework required for certification (e.g., license or endorsement). 

As the program lead for agricultural education at USU, Dr. Sorensen has mentored numerous undergraduate students pursuing careers in various CTE disciplines. He is also a dedicated advisor to graduate students, guiding CTE-focused research that contributes to the field’s ongoing advancement. 

Through his work in teacher preparation, program development, and research mentorship, Dr. Sorensen is helping elevate the quality and reach of CTE across Utah and beyond. His contributions continue to shape a generation of educators committed to preparing students for success in today’s dynamic workforce. 

Sorensen is one of five finalists for the 2026 national title. The national winner will be announced at the ACTE Awards Gala, an award presentation recognizing the best CTE educators in the country. The event will take place on December 9, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. The Awards Gala is sponsored by Goodheart-Willcox, The Army, and Stratasys. For more information about the ACTE Excellence Awards, visit our webpage.  

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About ACTE
The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) is the nation’s largest not-for-profit association committed to the advancement of education that prepares youth and adults for successful careers. ACTE represents the community of CTE professionals, including educators, administrators, researchers, school counselors, guidance and career development professionals and others at all levels of education. ACTE is committed to excellence in providing advocacy, public awareness and access to resources, professional development and leadership opportunities.  

ACTE Announces Arkansas Teaching Assistant Professor as National Award Finalist 

ALEXANDRIA, VA—The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Sheri Deaton, Teaching Assistant Professor at University of Arkansas, in Fayetteville, AR as the 2026 ACTE Region IV Postsecondary Professional of the Year. This award recognizes the finest career and technical education (CTE) educators at the postsecondary school level who have demonstrated innovation in the classroom, commitment to their students and dedication to the improvement of CTE in their institutions and communities. 

Sheri Deaton, Teaching Assistant Professor of Career and Technical Education at the University of Arkansas and Director of the Bessie Moore Center for Economic Education, has dedicated her career to preparing future educators and advancing career and technical education (CTE) programs. A National Board-Certified teacher with over 20 years of experience, Deaton has taught middle school, high school, and college-level courses, blending hands-on instruction with rigorous academic preparation. 

Deaton began her career in the classroom with degrees in family and consumer sciences (BSE) and teaching (MAT), serving as a family and consumer sciences teacher at Glen Rose High School for three years and at White Hall High School for ten years. In 2016, she joined the University of Arkansas as an instructor and earned her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction in 2021. Prior to her university role, she taught public school students for 13 years. 

At the University of Arkansas, Deaton teaches a wide range of undergraduate and graduate courses, including Introduction to Education, Assessment and Program Evaluation, Teaching Strategies, Classroom Management, Career Development, and specialized courses in apparel production and interior design for Family and Consumer Sciences education majors. She supervises all CTE students, advises the FCCLA Chapter, and regularly presents research and professional development opportunities to educators at the department, state, and national levels. 

Since joining the faculty, Deaton has revised the undergraduate CTE program to better bridge the gap between research and practice, ensuring student teachers are well-prepared for success. Her dedication and innovative instruction earned her recognition as a 2021 National Finalist for Post-Secondary Teacher Educator of the Year. 

Through her leadership, mentorship, and commitment to workforce development, Deaton continues to inspire the next generation of CTE educators and strengthen the impact of career and technical education nationwide. 

Deaton is one of five finalists for the 2026 national title. The national winner will be announced at the ACTE Awards Gala, an award presentation recognizing the best CTE educators in the country. The event will take place on December 9, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. The Awards Gala is sponsored by Goodheart-Willcox, The Army, and Stratasys. For more information about the ACTE Excellence Awards, visit our webpage.  

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About ACTE
The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) is the nation’s largest not-for-profit association committed to the advancement of education that prepares youth and adults for successful careers. ACTE represents the community of CTE professionals, including educators, administrators, researchers, school counselors, guidance and career development professionals and others at all levels of education. ACTE is committed to excellence in providing advocacy, public awareness and access to resources, professional development and leadership opportunities.  

ACTE Announces Missouri Instructor as National Award Finalist 

ALEXANDRIA, VA—The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced   Angeleic Huth, Instructor at Herndon Career Center, Paladin Professional Learning & Training Academy, in Raytown, MO- Kansas City Metropolitan Region as the 2026 ACTE Region III Postsecondary Professional of the Year. This award recognizes the finest career and technical education (CTE) educators at the postsecondary school level who have demonstrated innovation in the classroom, commitment to their students and dedication to the improvement of CTE in their institutions and communities.  

Angeleic Huth grew up in a small town in mid-Missouri but has called Kansas City home for many years. With more than two decades of experience developing curricula and teaching post-secondary training, she has dedicated her career to preparing professionals in law enforcement, corrections, and security. Her background spans over 25 years as a police officer, academy instructor, dispatcher, and court records supervisor. Today, she has followed her grandmother’s educational footsteps and teaches at a career center and post-secondary professional learning center. Beyond the classroom, she is a busy wife and mom of four, coaches high school sports teams throughout the year, and recently celebrated the release of her third book. 

A defining accomplishment in her teaching career has been integrating de-escalation techniques and respectful communication into law enforcement training. She emphasizes not only proper care and custody once a police scene is under control, but also the importance of peers stepping in to help de-escalate when necessary. Students often share that these lessons extend far beyond the classroom, helping them handle conflict at home, in the workplace, and in everyday life. 

Huth also launched the Crossover Career Collaboration & Connection program, which connects career center programs to highlight their interdependence, as well as the Partner Pathway program, which pairs students with mentors from across the country in the fields of law enforcement, corrections, and security fields across the country. 

One community partner noted, “Angeleic consistently demonstrates a willingness to challenge the status quo and push for reasonable, progressive reforms to police training. She emphasizes valuing every interaction with stakeholders, no matter the context, as an opportunity to build trust. This message has never been more crucial and timely.” 

Through her work, Huth ensures that future public safety professionals begin their careers committed to respect, communication, and fostering trust with the community. 

Huth is one of five finalists for the 2026 national title. The national winner will be announced at the ACTE Awards Gala, an award presentation recognizing the best CTE educators in the country. The event will take place on December 9, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. The Awards Gala is sponsored by Goodheart-Willcox, The Army, and Stratasys. For more information about the ACTE Excellence Awards, visit our webpage.  

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About ACTE
The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) is the nation’s largest not-for-profit association committed to the advancement of education that prepares youth and adults for successful careers. ACTE represents the community of CTE professionals, including educators, administrators, researchers, school counselors, guidance and career development professionals and others at all levels of education. ACTE is committed to excellence in providing advocacy, public awareness and access to resources, professional development and leadership opportunities.  

ACTE Announces North Carolina Assistant Dean of the School of Agriculture & Biological Sciences, as National Award Winner 

 ALEXANDRIA, VA—The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced   Robert Jason Davis, Assistant Dean of the School of Agriculture & Biological Sciences at University of Mount Olive, in Mount Olive, NC as the 2026 ACTE Region II Postsecondary Professional of the Year. This award recognizes the finest career and technical education (CTE) educators at the postsecondary school level who have demonstrated innovation in the classroom, commitment to their students and dedication to the improvement of CTE in their institutions and communities. 

Dr. Jason Davis, a lifelong advocate for agricultural education and leadership, has dedicated his career to serving students, educators, and the agricultural community in North Carolina and beyond. A native of Clinton, NC, in Sampson County, Davis found his passion early through active involvement in the National FFA Organization during high school. 

After earning a B.S. in Agricultural Education from North Carolina State University in 1998, Davis began teaching agriculture at Hobbton High School, where he spent seven and a half years instructing students in Horticulture, Agricultural Mechanics, and Introduction to Agriscience. While teaching, he completed his master’s degree in Agricultural Education in 2003. 

In 2005, Davis was selected to serve as the State FFA Coordinator in the Department of Agricultural and Extension Education at NC State University, leading the North Carolina FFA Association. During this time, he also completed his Doctorate in Agricultural Education. His leadership extended nationally as he served as Southern Region Vice President and later President of the National Association of Supervisors of Agricultural Education (NASAE), Secretary of the National FFA Foundation, and President of the National Council for Agricultural Education (“The Council”). In these roles, Davis championed professional development for NASAE members, broadened award programs, influenced the development of agriculture, forestry, and natural resource standards, strengthened diversity initiatives, and advanced fundraising efforts to meet the needs of a growing student organization. 

In 2020, Davis joined the University of Mount Olive as the Assistant Dean of the School of Agriculture & Biological Sciences, where he continues to guide future educators and foster partnerships with business, industry, and community organizations. His service also includes roles on the NC FFA Board, community college advisory boards, and local organizations such as the Hobbton FFA Alumni and the Westbrook Grange. 

Davis’s commitment to agricultural education began at the grassroots level as a regional vice president of the North Carolina Agriculture Teachers Association, where he helped increase membership to 100%, launched a horticulture supply cooperative for teachers, and supported professional growth opportunities for educators. Throughout his career, he has worked tirelessly to strengthen agricultural education through teaching, state leadership, and higher education. 

Outside of his professional roles, Davis is also a farmer, raising sweet corn, cut flowers, and 1,000 chrysanthemums. He enjoys beekeeping and gardening and is an active member of Hopewell United Methodist Church, the Clinton Rotary Club, and the Benson Masonic Lodge. He also serves as President of both the Westbrook Grange and the Hobbton FFA Alumni. At home, he shares his love of agriculture with his loyal dog, Maggie. 

Davis is one of five finalists for the 2026 national title. The national winner will be announced at the ACTE Awards Gala, an award presentation recognizing the best CTE educators in the country. The event will take place on December 9, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. The Awards Gala is sponsored by Goodheart-Willcox, The Army, and Stratasys. For more information about the ACTE Excellence Awards, visit our webpage.  

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About ACTE
The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) is the nation’s largest not-for-profit association committed to the advancement of education that prepares youth and adults for successful careers. ACTE represents the community of CTE professionals, including educators, administrators, researchers, school counselors, guidance and career development professionals and others at all levels of education. ACTE is committed to excellence in providing advocacy, public awareness and access to resources, professional development and leadership opportunities.  

ACTE Announces New York Assistant Professor & Work-based Learning Program Coordinator, as National Award Winner  

ALEXANDRIA, VA—The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Cynthia Thomas, Assistant Professor & Work-based Learning Program Coordinator in the Career & Technical Educator Preparation Department at SUNY Oswego, in Syracuse, NY as the 2026 ACTE Region I Postsecondary Professional of the Year. This award recognizes the finest career and technical education (CTE) educators at the postsecondary school level who have demonstrated innovation in the classroom, commitment to their students and dedication to the improvement of CTE in their institutions and communities. 

Cynthia Thomas, MSEd, CAS, is a dynamic educator, consultant, and licensed cosmetologist with over 15 years of experience in education and the beauty industry. Known for her leadership, research, and dedication to equity, she plays a vital role in advancing Career and Technical Education (CTE) at the postsecondary level across New York State and beyond. 

Thomas serves as Assistant Professor and Work-Based Learning Program Coordinator at SUNY Oswego, where she connects students to real-world experiences and promotes inclusive, innovative instruction. She is also the founder of Cynthia Thomas Education Consultants (CTE Consultants, LLC). This workforce development company supports postsecondary educators and adult learners through professional development, career coaching, and curriculum design. 

As a doctoral candidate in Learning and Teaching in Social Context at the University at Buffalo, Thomas is conducting her dissertation research, Exploring Culturally Responsive Teaching in Postsecondary Career and Technical Education and Workforce Development, which she is scheduled to defend by the end of the year. Her research examines how culturally responsive practices can transform teaching and learning in CTE programs. In 2024, she was awarded an ECMC Foundation mini-grant to support the creation of a statewide instructional framework designed to strengthen equity and workforce outcomes across New York’s CTE and workforce programs. 

Thomas holds several key leadership roles, including serving as the Post-Secondary Representative for the New York State Trade and Technical Teachers Association (NYSTTTA) and the Career Readiness Educators Association (CREA). She is a member of the NYSACTE board, President of the soon-to-launch New York State Postsecondary Career Education (PACE) extension, and Fellowship Administrator for the inaugural cohort of the NYSACTE Postsecondary State Leaders Fellowship Program, sponsored by Advance CTE and the ECMC Foundation. Additionally, she serves as Alumni Coordinator for the ACTE NextLevel Postsecondary CTE Fellowship. As an alumna of the fellowship herself, Thomas contributed to the development of a community-wide culturally responsive training micro-credential. 

In her local community, Thomas partners with the Syracuse Police Athletic League (Syracuse PAL) to design mentorship and career exploration programs for youth. She also supports new CTE instructors and student teachers in adopting inclusive teaching practices. She has collaborated with Le Moyne College’s ERIE 21 program, SUNY Onondaga Community College, and SUNY Oswego to create and implement workforce readiness initiatives that connect adult learners’ lived experiences to meaningful career opportunities. Her advocacy efforts include contributing to the North Syracuse Central School District’s district-wide root cause analysis and culturally responsive framework developed in partnership with NYU Steinhardt. She continues to work closely with the district to guide revisions to its Code of Conduct. 

Thomas’s leadership continues to drive meaningful changes in CTE at the local, state, and national levels. 

Thomas is one of five finalists for the 2026 national title. The national winner will be announced at the ACTE Awards Gala, an award presentation recognizing the best CTE educators in the country. The event will take place on December 9, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. The Awards Gala is sponsored by Goodheart-Willcox, The Army, and Stratasys. For more information about the ACTE Excellence Awards, visit our webpage.  

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About ACTE
The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) is the nation’s largest not-for-profit association committed to the advancement of education that prepares youth and adults for successful careers. ACTE represents the community of CTE professionals, including educators, administrators, researchers, school counselors, guidance and career development professionals and others at all levels of education. ACTE is committed to excellence in providing advocacy, public awareness and access to resources, professional development and leadership opportunities.