Biography

Heather Vuncannon is the founder of Uwharrie Charter Academy located in rural Asheboro, North Carolina. With STE3AM (Entrepreneurship, Environment, and Engineering) and Project-based learning at its core, the school continues to drive innovation in the region by disrupting the current rhetoric in traditional education with its “out-of-the-box” teaching and learning strategies. Heather earned her master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and later her school administration degree from High Point University. She has lead Uwharrie Charter from the first day it opened in 2013 but truly enjoys working with new leaders, teachers, and staff as they do their work with unmatched passion and conviction. She and her team speak at the state and national levels on their future-centered, STEAM model designed around intrepid leadership and closely integrated with the surrounding community. Heather enjoys spending time with her family and volunteering her time within the local Rotary club as well as chairing the board of directors for a homeless shelter. Her heart resides with Uwharrie Charter but she hopes to raise awareness for community charter schools in rural America through her passion and advocacy efforts.