Joanie Oliphant

Joanie’s strong belief that education is key to providing change and opportunity in a young child’s life has led her through a most satisfying 40-year career in early childhood education. After earning a B.A. in psychology and a master’s degree in early childhood education from Tulane University, Joanie taught kindergarten for several years before becoming a childcare center administrator and eventually the director of Family Services Head Start in Forsyth County. She helped open the Children’s Museum of Winston-Salem in the role of Director of Education. She later managed a grant-funded program at Guilford Technical Community College in the Early Childhood Department. During these years, Joanie served on the board of the NC Association for the Education of Young Children.

Most recently, Joanie proudly served as a Mentor/Evaluator/Regional Lead for the Early
Educator Support Office at UNC Charlotte. During this time, she had the privilege of learning
and working with Dr. Bobbie Rowland and is honored to now serve on the Board of the B.H.
Rowland Foundation!

In her personal time, Joanie loves to travel, garden, read and spend time with her children and
grandchildren.