UNC School of Education staff members Barbara Bossen and April Plumley were honored as the 2024-25 recipients of the School’s Staff Excellence Awards at an end-of-semester celebration on May 8.
Established in 2020, the Staff Excellence Awards showcase the excellence, commitment, and contributions of staff members in enhancing the School’s community and supporting its mission. Nominations are made by faculty, staff, students, and alumni.
“Both Barbara and April have provided invaluable perspectives and expertise to the School’s community, strengthening our work to support students, educators, and North Carolinians,” said Jill V. Hamm, dean of the School of Education and William C. Friday Distinguished Professor of Education. “Their collaborative spirit and dedication to education and research have left a meaningful and lasting impact that is felt and appreciated throughout the School. They are both so deserving of this recognition.”
Barbara Bossen
Bossen, a social/clinical research specialist, supports clinical randomized control trials focused on school- and community-based interventions for individuals with disabilities.
Before joining the School in 2021, Bossen spent over three decades working in schools and districts, serving in roles such as special education teacher, general education teacher, curriculum specialist, and autism program specialist. Her experience spans working with individuals from early childhood through adulthood.
Bossen currently serves as coordinator for two multi-site intervention studies led by faculty member Kara Hume, Ph.D. One, funded by the Institute of Education Sciences, supports general and special education high school teachers who serve autistic students. The other, funded by the National Institutes of Health, promotes physical activity among adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Both projects engage undergraduate and graduate students and involve collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders.
One nominator shared: “Barbara has been an incredible asset to the School of Education and our research projects. Despite being new to research, she quickly grasped every step and asked insightful questions. She excels in all aspects of her work.”
Another wrote, “She is kind, thoughtful, and dependable, bringing a calm, steady presence to everything she does. She always steps up to help, even beyond her official responsibilities.”
Another nominator added, “Whether it’s streamlining processes, offering creative solutions, or providing extra support, Barbara consistently demonstrates leadership, flexibility, and innovation.”
Another said, “Barbara Bossen is the definition of a positive soul who goes above and beyond for everyone she meets.”
April Plumley
Plumley, the former clinical partnerships and licensure manager, joined the School in 2018.
Plumley began her time at the School as the admission and placement coordinator, placing future educators in school-based internships and building strong relationships with area school districts. As a key contributor to the School’s accreditation and student affairs efforts, she regularly sought out professional development opportunities — including Mental Health First Aid and Green Zone trainings — to best support students.
Plumley’s last day at the School was May 9, though she will continue her accreditation-focused work in a new role with the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
One nominator shared: “April is an unsung hero here in the School of Education. On a regular day, she works with a high level of detail, expertise, professionalism, and care for others. She is a consummate team player. People might also not know that April has stepped up to play some very significant other roles for the School in the last 16 months by providing invaluable support for the admissions and scholarships application processes.”
Another wrote: “April demonstrates care and consideration for all of their coworkers, students, and the School of Education overall.”
Another nominator shared: “I have had the pleasure of working with April for several years in my capacity as Executive Director for Teacher Induction and Title II. Throughout our partnership, April has consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of her responsibilities as the liaison between the Chatham County Schools System and the UNC School of Education. April Plumley is a valued partner in our efforts to support teacher development and student success, and I hold her in the highest regard.”
School of Education staff members Karren Crawford, Gail Kinley, Leigh Anna Hutchison, Brian Nussbaum, and Sarah Rowe served on the Staff Excellence Award committee. The committee members are previous recipients of the Staff Excellence Award.