Administrator announces her retirement from WCPS
By From staff reports
Published in News on July 3, 2013 1:46 PM
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Olivia Pierce
Olivia Pierce, executive director for information and technology services for Wayne County Public Schools, has announced her retirement after a 39-year career. Her last day will be Aug. 31.
The Mount Olive native and graduate of Southern Wayne High School holds a bachelor's degree in library science, a master's degree in education technology and advanced certification in educational supervision.
"Perhaps no area of education has evolved and changed as much as the area of library media services and technology," she said. "To be a part of the process that has changed administrative and instructional practices from pen and paper to a digital environment has been both rewarding and challenging. I have been blessed to have had the opportunity to interact with many wonderful colleagues and students throughout the years. It has also been a privilege to represent Wayne County Public Schools in our community and throughout the state."
Mrs. Pierce began her education career in 1973 as a school media coordinator with Wilson County Schools. The following year, she briefly left education to work as a librarian/staff writer for the Star Newspaper in Wilmington
In 1975, she returned to the media center with New Hanover County Schools and also worked briefly in Edgecombe County Schools. In 1988, she transitioned to Wayne County Public Schools as the coordinator of media services. Since then, she has worked as the district's executive director of community relations before taking on her current duties.
Dr. Steven Taylor, superintendent of schools, praised Mrs. Pierce's contributions to the district.
"Since my start in 2000 as superintendent, I have never seen anything less from Olivia Pierce than effective leadership, advocacy for students and tireless dedication to promoting media and instructional technology in schools," he said. "Mrs. Pierce has four decades of education, administration and communications experience, with 25 years spent right here in Wayne County. Mrs. Pierce's expertise, dedication and leadership will be missed, but I wish for her a happy and well deserved retirement."