Jess Weiler

Dr. Jess Weiler is an Associate Professor in the Educational Leadership (Ed.D) Program at Western Carolina University, housed within the College of Education and Allied Professions. She previously served as the EdD Program Director from 2016–2022, during which the program achieved notable recognitions: membership in the University Council for Education Administration, WCU’s Academic Program of the Year (2021), and the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate’s 2021 Program of the Year. She has secured $6,112,909 in grant funding through the NC Principal Fellows Program to enhance principal preparation.

Education: Ph.D., University of Wisconsin Madison.

Research focuses on leadership preparation for socially just PK-12 schools, district-wide equity-oriented systemic change, and fostering organizational capacity for equitable educational practices. Teaching spans leadership and research courses, including 'Leadership for Equity & Social Justice in Education' and 'Complex Organizational Theory.'

Award-winning contributions include advancing public school leadership through roles on Governor Cooper’s Leandro Principal Planning Workgroup and the North Carolina Principal Standards Committee. She also coaches school leaders to build collaborative, equity-centered learning cultures.