More than 400 guests from across North Carolina gathered at the John D. Fuller, Sr. Recreational/Athletic Complex tonight to honor Cumberland County Schools (CCS) Superintendent Dr. Marvin Connelly, Jr., who is set to retire on July 1, 2025, following an extraordinary 34-year career in education.
The event was a heartfelt tribute to Dr. Connelly’s transformational leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence. Guests included CCS staff and students, local and state officials, community and church members and Dr. Connelly’s family and friends. The evening was filled with powerful performances from two CCS high school orchestras, a choral group and several vocalists, all of whom shared their talents in celebration of a leader who has long championed the arts and student achievement.
Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin presented Dr. Connelly with the prestigious Key to the City, recognizing his profound impact on education and the broader community.
The Legacy
Dr. Connelly has served as Superintendent of CCS since 2018, overseeing 86 schools, nearly 50,000 students and more than 6,500 employees. Under his leadership, the district has made significant strides in academic achievement and in closing learning gaps, supported by a budget exceeding $600 million. His visionary strategies have consistently focused on ensuring all students receive a high-quality, rigorous education.
Reflecting on the evening and his journey, Dr. Connelly shared the following thoughts: "It has been the honor of my life to serve the students, families and staff of Cumberland County Schools. Every decision I’ve made has been guided by a simple but powerful belief—that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive. I am deeply grateful for the relationships built, the challenges overcome and the many successes we've achieved together. Though I may be stepping away from this role, my commitment to children and public education will never retire."
The Leader
Prior to leading CCS, Dr. Connelly held several key positions in the Wake County Public School System, including Chief of Staff and Assistant Superintendent for Student Support Services. He began his career as a teacher assistant and special education teacher and later served as a middle and high school principal --experiences that grounded his leadership in the deep understanding of student and teacher needs.
Beyond the classroom, Dr. Connelly has also made a lasting difference through his faith and community service. He is the Senior Pastor of St. Augusta Baptist Church in Fuquay-Varina, where he leads spiritual outreach and service initiatives. A proud veteran, Dr. Connelly served as a U.S. Army officer, including time in the 82nd Airborne Division, and attained the rank of Major in the Individual Ready Reserve.
Throughout his career, Dr. Connelly has earned numerous accolades, including the 2024 A. Craig Phillips North Carolina Superintendent of the Year Award, Sandhills Regional Superintendent of the Year, NAACP Educator of the Year Award and East Carolina University Hall of Fame inductee. A published author and respected voice in educational leadership, he has built a reputation of fostering strong community partnerships and promoting student success.
As CCS prepares for this leadership transition, the district community remains inspired by Dr. Connelly’s enduring influence and heartfelt dedication to students, staff and the greater good.
