UNC School of Education staff members Brittany Cowan, Ashley Murphy, and Maranda Nussbaum were honored as the 2025-26 recipients of the School’s Staff Excellence Awards at an end-of-semester celebration late spring.
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.
“This year’s recipients represent the very best of Carolina and School of Education staff members — dedicated people who bring creativity and a collaborative approach to their work, strengthening our School and the communities we serve,” said Jill V. Hamm, dean of the School of Education and William C. Friday Distinguished Professor of Education. “Whether building systems that better support students or investing in the faculty and staff who advance our academic programs, their work reflects a commitment to teamwork, innovative thinking, and meaningful impact. We are grateful for all they contribute, and proud to celebrate the difference they make across the School.”
Brittany Cowan
Cowan serves as communications and marketing content manager for the UNC School of Education. In this role, she supports the planning and creation of strategic content across the School’s communications platforms, including web, print, and social media, amplifying the impact of its research, programs, and community partnerships.
In service to the broader Carolina community, Cowan serves as marketing co-chair for the Carolina Black Caucus and as an advisory board member for the Carolina Women’s Center. Nominators commended Cowan for the range of skills she brings to the School’s Marketing and Communications team, her professionalism, and commitment to collaboration.
“Our communications and marketing team is small but mighty, and Brittany wears many hats — photographer, writer, storyteller, and designer,” one nominator wrote. “Her demeanor is quiet, but her work is worthy of recognition with a staff excellence award.”
“Brittany is highly deserving of the School of Education’s Staff Excellence Award because of the professionalism, strategic insight, and collaborative spirit she brings to her work,” another nominator wrote.
“Brittany exemplifies what it means to be a true colleague for the School of Education and for UNC-Chapel Hill,” one nominator wrote. “She moves through her work with a positive attitude, a collaborative spirit, and an understanding that the strength of this institution lies in the ways its people show up for one another.”
Ashley Murphy
Murphy serves as partnerships program manager, supporting Carolina Community Academy, the School’s K-2 lab school in Roxboro, and additional partnership-focused initiatives.
In her role at the School, Murphy brings more than a decade of experience in K-12 education. Her previous roles as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, and school administrator shape her commitment to collaboration, future educators, and the success of schools and students.
Nominators praised Murphy as a dependable colleague and team player whose work strengthens Carolina Community Academy and the broader School community.
“Ashley is the epitome of a team player,” one nominator wrote. “She works diligently to support Carolina Community Academy but can also be seen on any given occasion helping with other events across the School. She is collaborative, takes initiative, and is incredibly dependable.”
Another nominator described Murphy as someone who consistently goes above and beyond.
“She approaches her work with professionalism and care, ensuring that everything she takes on is completed thoughtfully and efficiently,” the nominator wrote. “Her positive attitude and collaborative spirit help create a welcoming and supportive environment for everyone around her.”
“Ashley is always a team member who exemplifies collaboration and is a true example of what our School stands for,” another nominator wrote.
Maranda Nussbaum
Nussbaum serves as an accountant within the School, a role she has held for the past three years. Before joining the School, she worked as an elementary school teacher in North Carolina public schools for 13 years.
Nominators praised Nussbaum for her patience, depend
ability, and ability to make complex processes easier to navigate.
“Maranda is incredibly helpful,” one nominator wrote. “Many faculty struggle to navigate finance systems, and she is truly a gem in supporting them. She is consistently responsive, approachable, and genuinely seems happy to help.”
Another nominator highlighted Nussbaum’s proactive approach.
“She often reaches out in anticipation of things you may not even realize you need to consider or submit, which makes the entire expense process much smoother,” the nominator wrote. “She is incredibly patient and never shows frustration.”
Nussbaum was also recognized for her work supporting business office processes across the School.
“Maranda plays a vital role in ensuring the success and day-to-day effectiveness of the School of Education,” one nominator wrote. “She takes the extra step to ensure learning happens and not just getting it done.”
Another nominator described Nussbaum as “an essential guide for students who translates complex administrative barriers into manageable steps, consistently going above and beyond to ensure no student is left behind due to technical or documentation issues.”
School of Education staff members Barbara Bossen, Karren Crawford, Leigh Anna Hutchison, Gail Kinley, and Sarah Rowe served on the Staff Excellence Award committee. The committee members are previous recipients of the Staff Excellence Award.