Educator Profile    Educators

Dr. Asia L. Cunningham, Ed.D. is a transformational educational leader known for driving student achievement, cultivating high-performing teams, and building strong, inclusive school communities. With a strategic focus on data-informed leadership, she partners with instructional teams to analyze performance trends, align resources, and implement targeted strategies that ensure success for every learner. Her leadership is grounded in accountability, clarity of expectations, and a commitment to continuous improvement through high-quality, job-embedded professional development.

Dr. Cunningham leads with a whole-child philosophy, intentionally integrating academic excellence with social-emotional development to create learning environments where students thrive. Under her leadership, Pearsontown Elementary has earned national distinction as a National Blue Ribbon School, a National PTA School of Excellence, and a Magnet School of America, reflecting sustained excellence in teaching, learning, and school culture.

A recognized leader in family and community engagement, Dr. Cunningham has developed and implemented innovative frameworks that position families as authentic partners in education. Her work has been recognized on a national stage through her selection as a finalist for the Dr. Steven M. Constantino Family Engagement Practitioner Award, presented at the National Family Engagement Summit—an honor that recognizes educators who demonstrate exceptional impact in building meaningful family, school, and community partnerships. She is also a North Carolina Central University 40 Under 40 honoree, underscoring her influence as a dynamic and impactful leader in education.

Beyond her school, Dr. Cunningham contributes to the broader educational landscape as a North Carolina Principal Fellow, district principal mentor, and leadership coach. She collaborates with regional and university partners to develop future school leaders, contributes to curriculum and instructional design, and is a sought-after presenter on leadership, data-driven instruction, and family engagement.

Dr. Cunningham’s leadership is defined by results, relationships, and vision. She is committed to advancing equitable outcomes, strengthening organizational coherence, and leading systems where every student is supported, challenged, and positioned for long-term success.

Cunningham received a Doctoral Degree in Educational Leadership in 2025 from National University, Bachelor of Science in criminal justice in 2007 from North Carolina Central University, a Master of Arts in teaching from Walden University in 2015, and a Master of School Administration from North Carolina Central University in 2017.