Dr. Alexander Erwin

Year Inducted: 2023

Dr. Alexander Erwin is a native of Charlotte, North Carolina. He has resided in Wilkes County for 59 years.  His early education years were in the Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools. He often says that Wilkes County is his home. He has lived in Wilkes County longer than any other place.

His education was continued by receiving degrees from:  Livingstone College BA-Bachelor of Arts - Social Sciences of Teaching; Appalachian State University – MA-Masters in School Principalship and Social Sciences, Appalachian State University – Ed.S.-Educational Specialist – Superintendent Certification; and Virginia Tech – Ed.D.-Doctor of Education - Educational Administration and Supervision. He received his terminal degree in 1986 from Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia. 

Erwin is an active member of Rickards Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church. He serves as an officer and exhorter. Erwin considers his service to God and mankind as a cornerstone of all life’s accomplishments. He said,” God continues to bless me.” He has a daughter, Kimberly D. Erwin who resides in Greensboro, a special God grandson, Noah Blackwell of Greensboro, a nephew, Ronnie Mock.

Dr. Erwin had a lifelong career as an educator: He completed 53 years in education at many levels of experiences before retiring a 4th time. Teacher/Coach – Lincoln Heights and Wilkesboro Elementary School; Assistant Principal – Wilkesboro Elementary School; Principal – C.C. Wright Elementary School and Wilkes Central High School; Assistant Dean/Professor – Appalachian State University; Vice President/Dean of the College – Barber-Scotia College; Professor and Director of Ph.D. Leadership Program – NC A&T State University, Educational Consultant -local, state and national levels (public and higher education levels). He worked with 50 public schools and 29 college/universities in their accreditation. 

During his long and illustrious career, Erwin distinguished his life of service through many “firsts” for African Americans in Wilkes County and North Carolina:  First African American teacher in a predominately white school, he integrated schools in Wilkes County;  First African American principal of integrated schools – C.C. Wright and Wilkes Central Schools in Wilkes County; First African American Professor/Assistant Dean of Education at Appalachian State University; First “Principal-of-the-Year for the State of North Carolina (1984); First African American to serve as Vice Chairman of the North Carolina Textbook Commission; First African American Professor Emeritus at Appalachian State University.  He also received honors and awards:  Great Sate of Wilkes Award – Education Division (2019); Trail Blazer Award – Wilkes County (2009); Athletic Hall of Fame (basketball) – Livingstone College (2003); Nominee-UNC Board of Governors Outstanding Teaching Award (1997); Outstanding Alumni Graduate Teaching Award (1995); Leadership Fellow Academy-selected as North Carolina Fellow (American Association of State Colleges and Universities, AASCU (1993-95); North Carolina Principal of the Year (1984-85); Northwest Regional Principal of the Year (1984); Outstanding Young Educator for Wilkes County; Citizen of the Week-WKBC Radio (1978); and Wilkes County Teacher of the Year (1972). Erwin was professor at ASU, A&T, Bennett College, Livingstone College, Gardener Webb University.

Dr. Erwin is currently enjoying his retirement and working with agencies and groups in the Wilkes Communities. He occasionally serves as a Consultant for Public Schools and Colleges and University. He is a member of Wilkes Community College Board of Trustee. In addition to a Guardian-at-Litem advocate. Erwin’s daily living is based on his deep faith of treating everyone with respect. His philosophy is, “Respect and Trust must be shown to everyone”.  Dr. Erwin is the recipient of more than 50 awards for a life of service and achievements in Wilkes County, Northwest Region, State and Nation. He is very proud of a special honor for his founding of a Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership Studies Program. North Carolina A&T State University has a scholarship in his honor- “Dr. Alexander Erwin Leadership Scholarship”.  He considers a blessing to have lived and worked and served the people of Wilkes, Watauga, Cabarrus, Guildford, Rowan, Forsyth and Wake Counties.  He said, “A life well lived” I do not regret an incident or event in his life. “God has been Good to me”.