Edith Skipper, Ed.D.
Edith Skipper, Ed.D., is a veteran educator and innovative school leader serving as Principal of Southeast Area Technical High School (SEA-Tech) in Wilmington, North Carolina. With more than 34 years in education spanning preschool through doctoral-level instruction, she brings a comprehensive and deeply informed perspective to her work. As the founding principal of SEA-Tech, Dr. Skipper has been instrumental in designing a forward-thinking public high school model that blends academic rigor with career and technical education, preparing students for both higher education and immediate entry into the workforce.
Throughout her career, Dr. Skipper has held leadership roles across multiple schools and grade levels, including middle and early college high schools. Her most notable achievement has been launching SEA-Tech, where she built the school from the ground up—hiring staff, shaping culture, and creating a dynamic partnership with the local community college. Under her leadership, students gain access to more than 80 college-level programs and have the opportunity to graduate with industry certifications, professional diplomas, or even an associate degree. Her commitment to innovation is also reflected in initiatives like bringing advanced technology programs into the school to expand access for students who may not have traditionally seen themselves in high-tech careers.
At the heart of Dr. Skipper’s leadership is a deep belief in people—both the educators who serve and the students they support. She is passionate about building school environments that are safe, responsive, and centered on student growth and opportunity. Guided by a lifelong calling to education that began in early childhood, she continues to push the boundaries of what public education can be, ensuring that every student is equipped with the skills, confidence, and direction to succeed in an ever-evolving world.
• University of North Carolina at Wilmington- Ed.D.
• University of North Carolina at Wilmington- M.S.A.
• North Carolina Principal and Assistant Principals Association
• North Carolina Council of Mathematics (past member)
• Supports domestic violence shelter
What do you attribute your success to?
Well, I had a mother that helped me to believe, instilled in me, that I could do anything. So, she modeled that behavior for the short 48 years she had on life, on Earth. And she modeled it every day, like, of course you can do that. You have a great brain, just put your mind to it and do it. And so, I have a can-do attitude. And I usually push harder than most, because I think we can be better. So all of those things have paid off, I believe, in my success. It also has helped tremendously that this was my calling. This was not a job ever. I knew when I was 5 years old when I met my first teacher that I would be a teacher. And it was never a question. I was here to be an educator, this is why I draw breath. And so, my life has been lived that way.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Stay under the radar. That's what was said to me when I became a new principal, though I'll admit that somewhere near the end of my career, I've lost sight of that one and I'm bringing it back around.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Stay under the radar - that's what was said to me, though I've lost sight of that one myself. But I think building a network is as important as anything. You need people, especially in the principalship. I'm in a building without an assistant principal, so it's just me, and there's no one to bounce ideas off of, really, at the administrative level, so I think building that network, whether they're in your building or not, will help keep you safe in our line of work. And when we're women in these roles, we need each other even more, because the good ol' Boy Network is alive and well.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I think we had an opportunity after the pandemic to do education better, but we went back to the way we'd always done it. We need to push the envelope and make public schools actually responsive to needs. The world is moving so fast with high-tech careers and technological advances, and we need to help children who do not typically see themselves in these careers have opportunities to work with industry standard software and technology. Programs like Spark NC have allowed us to introduce these opportunities to children, and now they know this is where they fit in the world because they've seen another way.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I really value the people doing the work and the children that are a part of it. Culture and climate are strengths I focus on in every school I've been lucky enough to be a part of. I believe in creating a culture of safety where teachers can put themselves out on a limb and gather feedback from 15-year-olds. I also believe we can always be better, so I usually push harder than most. This calling to be an educator is why I draw breath - it was never just a job. My mother instilled in me that I could do anything, modeled that behavior every day, and taught me to have a can-do attitude and just put my mind to it and do it.