The University of Mount Olive will host the annual Braswell Lecture on Tuesday, November 9, at 7 PM in Southern Bank Auditorium. The guest speaker for the event is Dr. Robert Taylor.

Dr. Taylor joined the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction in January 2021 to serve as Deputy Superintendent of Student and School Advancement. Previously he served as superintendent of Bladen County Schools from 2011 to 2021, Assistant Superintendent for Administrative Services for Clinton City Schools from 2003-2011, and teacher, assistant principal, and principal in the Cumberland County school system. He has a doctorate of educational leadership and a master of school administration from Fayetteville State University as well as a bachelor of science degree from the University of Southern Mississippi.

In his upcoming lecture, Dr. Taylor will address the impact of COVID 19 and distance learning on academic achievement.

“The UMO Division of Education is pleased to have Dr. Robert Taylor as guest lecturer for the Braswell Lecture,” said Dr. Amanda Bullard-Maxwell, Assistant Dean for Education. “Dr. Taylor has a proven track record when it comes to serving the students of North Carolina and we look forward to hearing his insights on the impact of COVID 19 and Distance Learning on Academic Achievement.”

The Braswell Lecture is held annually in memory of Jessie Dail Braswell. Braswell taught in Princeton public schools for 34 years and demonstrated a life-long commitment to education. The Jessie Dail and Walter Vernon Braswell Endowment funds the Braswell Scholarship, Since 1998, the Braswell Lecture has featured leaders in North Carolina education and presented speeches on significant issues.

The event is FREE and the public is invited to attend. For more information, contact Amanda Bullard-Maxwell at [email protected].