Dr. Nakia Hardy has enjoyed a long and very successful career in public education spanning more than twenty-five years in North Carolina and Maryland. Since 2018, she has served as the Deputy Superintendent for Durham Public Schools (DPS). Prior to joining DPS, Dr. Hardy served as the Chief Academic Officer for Guilford County Schools, the executive director for teaching and learning for Baltimore City Public Schools, the assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction for Rockingham County Schools, and a principal and assistant principal for the Alamance-Burlington School System. She began her career as a high school AP chemistry teacher in Greensboro, North Carolina. 

Dr. Hardy has an impressive academic background as well, including a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Appalachian State University. She also went on to obtain a master’s degree in school administration and a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. 

In June 2023, Dr. Hardy was inducted into the Reich College of Education Rhododendron Society. The Reich College of Education (RCOE) established the Rhododendron Society in 1999, Appalachian’s centennial year. As the highest honor given by the college, the award honors alumni for their exemplary service to education and to their communities. The society recognizes RCOE graduates whose service as teachers, librarians, human service professionals or administrators has reflected great credit on themselves, the field of education and the university.  Society members give back to the RCOE through an annual scholarship, which is awarded to both an undergraduate and a graduate student who are outstanding in their course of study. 

Dr. Hardy is an award-winning educator, receiving the Guilford County Excellence in Science Teaching Award in 2000. Her work was recognized at the regional/state level as she was selected as the Central/Piedmont Region Principal of the Year for North Carolina in 2009.

In her spare time, Dr. Hardy enjoys cooking, spending time with family and friends and hot yoga.  She is passionate about education and is focused on ensuring positive outcomes for all children, socially, emotionally, and academically.