Deana K. Murphy

Deana has worked in the field of early childhood education for more than 25 years in various roles including teacher, college instructor, and administrator.  She taught in the very first public preschool classroom in Gaston County Schools which Dr. Rowland helped to start.  While a teacher, she hosted distinguished visitors such as local county commissioners, state and national education leaders, and a nationally-known pediatrician, Dr. T. Berry Brazelton.  Deana was a finalist for state teacher of the year in North Carolina and spent two years traveling the state to advocate for early education and intervention.  She spent 12 years in the Child and Family Development program at UNC Charlotte as an instructor and program coordinator.  In her home county, Deana also serves as the Board Chairperson for the Partnership for Children of Lincoln & Gaston Counties.  Dr. Rowland has had a tremendous impact on Deana’s development as an educator and advocate, and it is her honor to serve on the Board of Directors for this Foundation.