Dr. Alice J. Garrett is a retired educator whose remarkable 45-year career in public education has left a lasting legacy across North Carolina. She served with distinction as a classroom teacher, assistant principal, middle and high school principal, and as Chief Consultant and Section Chief at the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI). In her leadership role at NCDPI, Dr. Garrett oversaw statewide efforts to support low-performing schools, working to ensure every child had access to a high-quality education—regardless of zip code.

Her dedication to equity and excellence in education has earned her numerous accolades, including recognition from the United States Congress and the NAACP President’s Award.

Even in retirement, Dr. Garrett continues her service to others. She is president of the Flood Group and the Bobby F. Garrett Cancer Benefit, Inc., and serves as Church School Superintendent for the Western District of the Western North Carolina Conference of the AME Church.

Dr. Garrett holds a B.A. in Social Science from Allen University, a Master of Teaching from Fordham University, and a Doctor of Education Leadership from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

WakeEd Partnership is proud to honor Dr. Alice J. Garrett with the 2025 Robert E. Bridges Lifetime Achievement Award for her decades of leadership, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to students, educators, and communities throughout Wake County and across the state.