Awardee: Dr. Carolyn Zachry
Northern Section
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Dr. Carolyn Ann Zachry holds an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from the University of California, Davis, where her dissertation examined how female county superintendents support and encourage women in educational leadership. She also earned an M.A. in Educational Administration from California State University, San Bernardino; an M.A. in Education with a specialization in Gifted and Talented Education and a minor in Educational Supervision from Wright State University; and a B.S. in Special Education from Eastern Illinois University with emphases in learning disabilities, behavior disorders, and elementary education.
Her academic journey reflects a lifelong commitment to equity, leadership development, and improving systems that serve adult learners and vulnerable populations. Across decades of service, Dr. Carolyn Zachry has had a profound and widely recognized impact on adult education at the local, state, and national levels. Locally, her leadership in El Dorado County strengthened adult education programming, expanded services for re-engaged learners, and improved systems of coordination across Adult Education, ROP, WorkAbility, SARB, and categorical programs. Her efforts ensured students facing barriers — including those experiencing homelessness and unemployment — had supportive pathways to education and work. At the state level, Dr. Zachry has served in progressively impactful leadership roles within the California Department of Education’s Career and College Transition Division. As State Director and Educational Administrator, she has stewarded major initiatives that align adult education with workforce development, career technical education, and postsecondary transition. Her leadership has enhanced accountability, strengthened statewide partnerships, and elevated the visibility and credibility of adult education as a critical component of California’s education system. Nationally, Dr. Zachry’s influence is equally significant. She has represented California in multiple national coalitions and served in leadership roles on boards including NASDAE and the Joint Special Populations Advisory Committee. Her voice is deeply respected across the country, and she is frequently sought out for presentations — numbering in the thousands — on topics ranging from equitable access to improvement of systems supporting adult learners. In each role, Dr. Zachry demonstrates a relentless belief that adults deserve rigorous, compassionate, responsive educational opportunities. She is known for working tirelessly, mentoring colleagues, building bridges across agencies, and modeling the kind of steady, ethical leadership that honors the spirit of Dr. Robert Rupert’s legacy. Dr. Zachry has been an active member and champion of the California Council for Adult Education since 2017. Her leadership has strengthened CCAE’s visibility, credibility, and impact across California. She consistently promotes CCAE, encourages emerging leaders to engage in statewide conversations, and models strong partnership between practitioners, administrators, and state-level leadership. Through her advocacy work, she has elevated how policymakers and partner organizations understand the value of adult education — particularly its role in workforce development, family stability, and community well-being. Dr. Zachry frequently represents CCAE perspectives in national and state forums, ensuring the voices of California’s adult learners and educators are heard. She supports and mentors members across the state, especially those stepping into leadership or navigating complex program transitions. Her participation in professional networks including CAEAA, COABE, NASDAE, and broader statewide advisory groups has strengthened CCAE’s connections with the broader adult education ecosystem. She brings back insights, resources, and opportunities, helping CCAE members stay aligned with emerging statewide and national initiatives. Perhaps most importantly, Dr. Zachry embodies CCAE’s values: equity, service, collaboration, and unwavering commitment to adult learners. Her influence has helped create a more connected, forward-thinking, statewide community of practice that honors educators while advocating for strong, sustainable adult education programs. Beyond her distinguished professional career, Dr. Zachry is known for her warmth, equitable and inclusive mindset, mentorship, and courageous steady presence. Colleagues consistently describe her as someone who leads with both strength and compassion. She is deeply community-minded, serving on multiple boards and volunteering in organizations that support youth, families, and access to education. Her commitment extends beyond the workplace — she invests fully in the people around her, celebrating their successes and supporting them through challenges. She embodies the definition of great leadership and represents the very best of California’s adult education community. |
