Appalachian State University alumni Mark Byrd ’92 ’94 ’15, Barbara Daye ’59 ’61 ’86, Dr. Jesse Pratt ’95 ’01 ’07, and Rodney Workman ’04 ’05 were inducted into the Rhododendron Society on June 5, 2026, during a brunch held at the Grandview Ballroom in Boone, North Carolina.
The event was attended by the honorees and their guests, past recipients, university leadership, members of the Reich College of Education (RCOE) Advancement Board, and college leadership.
The RCOE established the Rhododendron Society in 1999, Appalachian’s centennial year. The society is named for Appalachian’s former yearbook, The Rhododendron, which documented the university’s historic moments, activities, and accomplishments.
As the highest honor bestowed by the college, the award recognizes alumni for exemplary service to education and their communities. The society honors RCOE graduates whose work as teachers, librarians, human service professionals, or administrators has brought distinction to themselves, the field of education, and the university. Byrd, Daye, Pratt, and Workman join a distinguished group of Rhododendron Society members, bringing the total to 87.
Society members give back to the RCOE through an annual scholarship awarded to one undergraduate student and one graduate student who demonstrate excellence in their course of study.
The RCOE welcomes nominations for the Rhododendron Society from Appalachian alumni currently working in education, as well as those who are retired. To learn more or to access nomination materials, visit rcoe.appstate.edu/rhododendron-society.
Mark Byrd ’92 ’94 ’15
(Mark Byrd was inducted posthumously.)
Mark Byrd was a lifelong educator, respected leader, and steadfast advocate for public education whose impact on students, schools, and communities across North Carolina will endure for generations. A graduate of North Wilkes High School, Wilkes Community College, and Appalachian State University, he earned a Bachelor of Science in history and secondary education in 1994 and an Educational Specialist degree in educational administration in 2015. He also earned a Master of School Administration from Gardner-Webb University in 2002.
Byrd began his career teaching civics and world history at North Wilkes High School, where he also coached football and track. His distinguished leadership trajectory included roles as assistant principal, principal, assistant superintendent, and ultimately superintendent of Wilkes County Schools — a position he assumed in 2016 as the district’s eighth superintendent since 1899.
Throughout his career, he was recognized for his unwavering dedication to students and educators. His honors include the 2021 North Carolina Public School Maintenance Association Superintendent of the Year, the 2021–2022 NWRESA Region 7 Superintendent of the Year, and the 2023 Bob McRae Superintendent of the Year Award from the North Carolina High School Athletic Association.
Known for his humility, kindness, and commitment to service, Byrd led with integrity and compassion. His legacy of educational excellence and genuine care for others continues to inspire all who knew him.
Barbara Watkins Daye ’59 ’61 ’86
Barbara Watkins Daye dedicated her career to student success and service at Appalachian State University, leaving a lasting impact on generations of Mountaineers. A first-generation college student, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1959 and a Master of Arts in 1961 from Appalachian. She later completed a Specialist in Education degree in 1986.
Daye’s professional journey at Appalachian began in 1968 and spanned more than three decades. She served in many roles, including graduate assistant, instructor, and, beginning in 1972, associate dean of students. Her career culminated in her role as associate vice chancellor for student affairs and dean of students, a position she held until her retirement in 2002. Upon her retirement, she was honored with the title of dean of students emerita.
Throughout her career, Daye worked closely with students and families during both joyful and challenging times. She led with compassion and resilience, guiding the campus community through moments of celebration and difficulty alike. She also played a key role in developing impactful programs such as Parent Orientation and Family Day.
Since her retirement, Daye has remained a dedicated supporter of Appalachian through volunteer service and philanthropy, including contributions to scholarships and university initiatives. Her continued engagement provides meaningful opportunities to connect with students and the broader community.
Daye’s legacy is defined by her unwavering commitment to students, her leadership in student affairs, and her enduring love for Appalachian and its community.
Dr. Jesse Pratt ’95 ’01 ’07
Dr. Jesse J. Pratt has served as superintendent of Hertford County Public Schools since January 2023, following his appointment in November 2022. With nearly 30 years of experience in public education across North Carolina and Indiana, he is widely recognized for his commitment to academic excellence, student success, and transformational leadership. Under his leadership, Hertford County Public Schools exited low-performing district status in 2024, driven by measurable academic gains and a significant reduction in chronic absenteeism.
Prior to his current role, Pratt served as deputy superintendent for schools and operations at Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools, where he supported improvements in student achievement and graduation rates. His career also includes leadership roles as assistant superintendent in Thomasville City Schools, academic improvement officer in Indianapolis Public Schools, and principal and teacher in Guilford County Schools.
Pratt earned a Bachelor of Science, a Master of School Administration, and an Educational Specialist degree from Appalachian State University, as well as a doctorate in educational leadership from High Point University. His honors include the North Carolina Association for Teaching, Learning, and Leading Dr. Frances Jones Trailblazer Award, the Black Men Rock Image Award, the Ahoskie Gallery Theatre Community Service Award, and the MLK Drum Major for Service Award.
Rodney Workman ’04 ’05
Rodney K. Workman has served as a band director in North Carolina since graduating from Appalachian State University, where he earned degrees in music performance and music education. He also holds a Master of Music Education from East Carolina University and currently serves as director of bands at Asheville High School.
Under his leadership, ensembles have performed at numerous state and national events, including the Dixie Classic Festival, the National Adjudicators Invitational in Atlanta, the President’s Cup National Concert Band Festival in Washington, D.C., the National Band and Orchestra Festival at Carnegie Hall, and the Charleston Music Festival. His groups have also been featured at the North Carolina Music Educators Association Conference. An active clinician, Rodney has conducted more than 60 All-County and All-District bands, as well as collegiate honor bands and summer music camps across the Southeast.
His honors include First-Year Teacher of the Year, Teacher of the Year, the Ed Rooker Encore Award, recognition as one of School Band and Orchestra magazine’s “50 Directors Who Make a Difference,” the 2025 Asheville Rotary Club Teacher of Excellence Award, and the 2026 Western District Bandmasters Award of Excellence.
Service to the profession has been central to his career. Inspired by his time in the Hayes School of Music and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia — where he served as chapter president — he has held numerous leadership roles, including president of the Northwest District Bandmasters, president of the North Carolina Bandmasters Association, and state chair for both the National Band Association and the American School Band Directors Association.
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