Celebrating Excellence: College of Education Faculty, Staff, and Alumni Honored with Prestigious Service Awards by NC Council for Exceptional Children

Faculty and alumni from NC State’s College of Education are receiving service awards from the North Carolina Council for Exceptional Children (NC-CEC). This organization is known for its commitment to improving education for students with disabilities and gifted learners.

On February 13, the NC-CEC will honor three members from the College of Education:

• Kristin Hoffmann, Clinical Assistant Professor, will receive the 2025-26 Distinguished Service Award for the Division of Learning Disabilities.
• Jordan Lukins, Assistant Teaching Professor of Elementary and Special Education, will receive the 2025-26 Distinguished Service Award for the Teacher Education Division.
• Carolyn Mitchell Plunkett, who graduated in 2022 with a Master’s in Teaching, will receive the 2025 Distinguished Service Award for the Division on Autism and Developmental Disabilities.

Kristin Hoffmann’s work focuses on literacy and learning in online settings. With extensive experience in both educational and clinical roles, she has worked to support students in various challenging environments. Hoffmann also serves on the Board of Directors for both the Division of Learning Disabilities and the Division on Autism and Developmental Disabilities.

Expressing her gratitude, Hoffmann shared, “Receiving this award from my peers is meaningful. Their dedication to advocating for students with disabilities inspires me. I look forward to continuing my work with neurodiverse students through the Diagnostic Teaching Clinic and NC-CEC.”

Jordan Lukins has a background as a K-12 special educator and now focuses on preparing future teachers. Her work helps both general and special education teachers create inclusive classrooms. Lukins also authored an article titled “Fostering Inclusive Dispositions: Integrating Disability Studies in Teacher Education,” which discusses how to train teachers to adopt inclusive practices.

Her efforts to enhance communication and engagement within the Teacher Education Division were highlighted in her award nomination. Lukins will soon take on the role of president-elect for the division’s board.

“I am deeply honored to receive this award,” she said. “The division is an essential part of my professional community, and I value collaborating with dedicated colleagues across the state.”

Carolyn Plunkett is currently teaching in the Wake County Public Schools. As a recent graduate, she is already making a significant impact in her role, demonstrating how the College of Education shapes passionate educators prepared to support diverse learners.

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