Cumberland County Schools (CCS) Superintendent Dr. Marvin Connelly, Jr., a trailblazing leader in North Carolina education, is set to receive one of the industry's distinguished honors--induction into the prestigious East Carolina University (ECU) College of Education Educators Hall of Fame.

This recognition, which acknowledges the service of individuals who have extensively contributed to the field of education and had a decisive impact on the lives of others, will celebrate Dr. Connelly's contributions to the field of education and his unwavering commitment to equity, innovation and excellence.

The induction ceremony, scheduled for Friday, March 14, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. in the Fletcher Recital Hall on the campus of East Carolina University, will bring together his esteemed colleagues, supporters and educational leaders to celebrate this well-deserved achievement. Dr. Connelly will receive a personalized plaque that will be permanently mounted on the Educators Hall of Fame wall in the Speight Building.

The long-time educator was nominated for induction into the ECU Educators Hall of Fame by Dr. Ray V. Spain, who previously served as the superintendent of Warren County Schools.

"I am deeply honored to be inducted into the Educators Hall of Fame and incredibly grateful for this recognition," said Dr. Connelly in a press release. "Education has been my lifelong passion and this honor is a testament to the many mentors, colleagues and students who have inspired me along the way. I take great pride in knowing that our collective work has made a lasting impact and I remain committed to supporting the next generation of educators and leaders."

Before joining CCS in 2018, he held leadership roles in the Wake County Public School System, serving as Chief of Staff and Assistant Superintendent for Student Services. He began his career as a special education teacher assistant and worked as a teacher, assistant principal and principal at both the middle and high school levels.

A proud veteran, Dr. Connelly served in the U.S. Army, including time with the 82nd Airborne Division. His military service helped shape his focus on leadership, discipline and service.

Dr. Connelly holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from North Carolina State University, two master’s degrees and a doctorate in educational leadership from East Carolina University.

As a highly regarded educator, Dr. Connelly served as the first National Superintendent Chair for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, further highlighting his commitment to education and community service, and he received the 2024 A. Craig Phillips North Carolina Superintendent of the Year Award. 

"The Educators Hall of Fame embodies a core value of East Carolina University’s College of Education: honoring those who have dedicated their lives to shaping minds, building communities, and advancing the field of education," said Dean and Professor of ECU’s College of Education Dr. André M. Green in a press release. "The inductees [who will be] recognized have made a profound and lasting impact—not only within their schools and districts but also in the lives of countless students, families and communities. Their legacy of service and unwavering commitment to excellence continues to inspire and uplift future generations of educators through the scholarships made possible by this endowment."