As the Sandhills Regional Associate Director, Brendalyn's primary responsibility is to oversee the successful implementation of the Community Schools Model across the Sandhills region of North Carolina. Her role includes recruiting, training, and supervising Community School Coordinators; and building strong regional partnerships with schools, families, and community organizations. Brendalyn provides guidance, coaching, and accountability to coordinators and school leaders, facilitate collaborative learning spaces, and serve as a regional liaison—translating on-the-ground learning to statewide partners while advocating for equity-centered, student-focused systems change that builds a sustainable support system for students and families throughout North Carolina.

Brendalyn Thompson

Sandhills Regional Associate Director

Brendalyn's Why:

My “why” is about moving beyond programs to systems that last. I’m committed to building structures that embed family engagement into everyday school practice, grounded in the power of authentic relationships and the intentional empowerment of those around us. By strengthening trust, elevating voice, and sharing leadership, I work to create lasting impact for students, families, educators, and communities.

Brendalyn outside of Student U:

Outside of Student U, you’ll usually find me with my husband and kids at a basketball game or curled up for movie night. Basketball is a year-round sport in our house, and when we’re not cheering from the sidelines, I’m probably planning an event or a wedding—thanks to a COVID-quarantine side quest that turned me into a certified wedding and event planner.

Advice Brendalyn finds valuable:

Lead with listening. When families and communities feel truly seen and valued, trust takes root—and that’s where meaningful, lasting change begins.

Colleges:

DeVry-Keller Graduate School of Management

North Carolina Central University

Course of Study:

Master’s in Public Administration  

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice

Other Involvements:

Sandhills Regional Education Consortium

Duke Clinical Research Institute

North Carolina Community Schools Coalition

North Carolina Department of Public Instruction

MyFutureNC

North Carolina PTA Board of Directors 

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated

Robeson County Eagles- NCCU Alumni Association 

ROAR (Robeson Overcoming Adversity Through Resilience

Accomplishments:

Led districtwide family and community engagement efforts that resulted in The Public Schools of Robeson County being recognized as a 2025 Exemplary Partnership by the National Center for Families Learning (NCFL) and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

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