Dr. Cassandra R. Farley Martin, Partnership Director for the state of North Carolina provides leadership and support to CAC programs at Appalachian State University, University of North Carolina at Chapel-Hill, University of North Carolina at Wilmington, North Carolina State University, and Duke University. In addition to serving our five NC programs as their Partnership Director, Cassandra develops and maintains a network of high-impact partners from various sectors that aid CAC program partners’ overall maintenance, sustainability, and success. Sectors include higher education, philanthropy, and government.
Before joining CAC, Cassandra served as a SpringBoard and Pre-AP Implementation Director at the College Board supporting school sites and district leaders across the country in providing their scholars with equitable pathways to the Advanced Placement curriculum. She stands as a dedicated advocate for educational equity, boasting a strategic mindset and a proven track record of success across various roles over her almost two-decade career in PK-12 education—from classroom teacher, AVID and International Baccalaureate program coordinator, and school leader, to district grant project director and Director of Equity and Inclusion.
Her academic journey encompasses a Bachelor of Arts in English from Appalachian State University, a Master of Arts in Education focusing on Teacher Leadership in Curriculum and Instruction, a Master’s Certification in Executive Leadership Studies, and a PK-12 school administration license from Gardner-Webb University. Committed to continuous learning, Cassandra completed certification programs in Diversity and Inclusion from Cornell University and Family Engagement from Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education before earning a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership with a concentration in Equity and Social Justice from Western Carolina University; her research is focused in Culturally Responsive Leadership practices. She is based in Charlotte and enjoys spending time with her husband and their children, extended family and friends, traveling and making new memories, driving her Jeep Wrangler “JreamGrl”, attending music festivals, and eating good food.
