UMO Alumna Named Morehead-Cain Impact Educator of the Year
May 28, 2025
Contact: Rhonda Jessup, Director of Public Relations
Margo Harper, a 2019 graduate of the University of Mount Olive (UMO), has been named a 2025 Morehead-Cain Impact Educator of the Year. This honor recognizes educators who have profoundly influenced their students.
When Harper received the news of her selection, she saw it not just as a personal achievement but also as a reflection of her students’ success and the impact of her agricultural education program.
“More than anything, this recognition reaffirms my commitment to advocating for experiential learning—showing the value of education beyond the classroom and pushing students to develop their leadership skills,” Harper said. “The moments that have shaped me most as an educator have happened outside the four walls of a classroom.”
For Harper, education is about more than just imparting knowledge; it is about equipping students with real-world experiences that prepare them for leadership roles. In her Agriculture Mechanics classes at South Lenoir High School, she emphasizes problem-solving and hands-on learning, ensuring her students gain practical skills applicable to their futures.
What makes this award especially meaningful to Harper is that her students nominated her.
“It tells me that they see the value in the hands-on experiences, leadership opportunities, and real-world learning we prioritize,” she said. “My goal has always been to do more than just teach content; I want to equip students with the confidence and skills to step into leadership roles and navigate real-world challenges.”
Harper believes that impactful educators see students as more than test scores. “So many of them feel like they’re just numbers in a system, and that’s a shame,” she explained. “If you take the time to see them as individuals, to understand their strengths beyond traditional assessments, that’s when real learning happens.”
Lenoir County Schools Superintendent Brent Williams announced Harper’s award, describing it as an honor given to educators who shape “tomorrow’s change makers.” Harper takes that mission seriously.
“I hope my students walk away knowing how to communicate, think critically, and solve problems,” she said. “The world doesn’t need more people who can regurgitate facts—it needs people who can take what they know and use it effectively. More than anything, I hope they leave my class knowing their ideas matter and that they can make a difference.”
One of her proudest moments as an educator is witnessing students recognize their own growth. “When they realize they kept showing up, even when I pushed them out of their comfort zone, when they choose to learn and grow instead of walking away when it gets tough—that’s what makes this job so rewarding.”
Harper credits much of her teaching philosophy and success to her time at the University of Mount Olive. She recalls competing in the Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) Discussion Meet as a standout experience that helped her develop strong communication and leadership skills.
She also fondly remembers Dr. Marvin McCoy, one of her most influential professors. “He started every class with a prayer and was intentional about checking in with us as people before diving into the lesson,” she said. “That left a lasting impression on me. He understood that students aren’t just learners but also human beings with struggles, dreams, and challenges. That approach has shaped how I teach today.”
Harper’s journey has been one of faith and purpose. “The paths I’ve taken in life have always been guided by God’s hand,” she said. “Whenever a door has closed, He has opened another, leading me to exactly where I’m meant to be.”
Her husband, Garrett, plays a significant role in her life, encouraging her to trust in God’s direction. “His steady support helps keep me grounded,” she said.
Receiving the Morehead-Cain Impact Educator Award has reinforced Harper’s commitment to pushing for experiential learning opportunities for her students.
“Experiential learning isn’t something you can measure with test scores, but every time I take students beyond the classroom, they return as stronger, more confident leaders,” she said. “Whether it is meeting national agricultural leaders, attending county commissioner meetings, or working with industry professionals, those real-world experiences shape them in ways traditional learning can’t.”
To aspiring educators, Harper offers this advice: “Respect your students. Meet them where they are. Not every student will love your subject, and that’s okay. Your job is to make your class something they can connect with, to give them a reason to care, and to help them see how learning extends beyond the walls of a classroom.”
Harper is shaping more than the future of agricultural education, she is also inspiring a new generation of leaders. Her recognition as a 2025 Morehead-Cain Impact Educator of the Year is a testament to her transformative work.
The University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with defining Christian values. The University was founded by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists. For more information, visit www.umo.edu.
