The City of Winston-Salem’s mayor pro tempore Denise D. Adams has been selected as one of only 25 professionals from across North Carolina to participate in the seventh cohort of ElevateNC: Higher Education, a statewide leadership development initiative focused on advancing higher education policy and improving student outcomes.
The cohort brings together policymakers, practitioners, advocates, and other stakeholders committed to shaping the future of higher education in North Carolina. Participants are selected through a competitive process and represent the state's racial, ethnic, gender, and geographic diversity.
The ElevateNC: Higher Education program will run from Sept. 2026 through March 2027. During the program, cohort members will participate in three in-person, two-day sessions held across North Carolina.
Sessions feature expert panels, discussions with students and higher education practitioners, and collaborative conversations focused on strategies to improve educational access, achievement, and workforce outcomes. Participants also develop action plans designed to advance higher education initiatives within their own communities.
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"I am honored to be selected for the seventh ElevateNC: Higher Education cohort and to join a diverse group of leaders dedicated to strengthening educational opportunities across our state," said Adams. "Higher education has the power to transform lives, strengthen communities, and create pathways to economic mobility. I look forward to learning from fellow cohort members, sharing perspectives from Winston-Salem, and identifying innovative solutions that support student success and expand opportunities for future generations."
Through the program, Adams will collaborate with fellow cohort members to examine challenges facing higher education and explore policy solutions that promote student success and strengthen North Carolina's educational and economic future.
Members of the media interested in learning more about Adams' selection, the goals of the ElevateNC initiative, and the potential impact of this opportunity for Winston-Salem are invited to schedule an interview.
Adams is available for interviews on Monday between 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., prior to the City Council meeting, and is available to meet virtually.
She welcomes the opportunity to discuss her selection, what participation in the cohort could mean for Winston-Salem, and her aspirations for serving as part of this distinguished statewide leadership initiative.
About Mayor Pro Tempore Adams
Mayor Pro Tempore Denise D. Adams serves as the North Ward representative on the Winston-Salem City Council. With many years of service in higher education, workforce development, public administration, and community leadership, she has held positions of increasing responsibility in both the public and nonprofit sectors.
Throughout her career, Adams has worked with educational institutions, governmental agencies, employers, and community organizations to advance workforce readiness, educational attainment, and economic development initiatives. Her experience includes leadership in program administration, strategic partnerships, stakeholder engagement, and public policy implementation.
As a member of the Winston-Salem City Council, Adams is committed to policies and initiatives that strengthen opportunities for residents, support economic growth, and enhance community well-being. Her selection to the ElevateNC: Higher Education cohort reflects her professional experience, public service, and commitment to advancing higher education outcomes across North Carolina.
About ElevateNC: Higher Education
ElevateNC: Higher Education is a leadership development program that brings together leaders from diverse professional backgrounds who aspire to shape higher education policy in North Carolina. Through a series of statewide learning experiences, participants engage with experts, students, and practitioners to better understand challenges and opportunities in higher education and develop actionable strategies that improve student outcomes across the state.
