Bryan Setser: A Legacy of Educational Excellence Celebrated

by East Carolina University

Setser Group couldn't be more proud to announce the induction of our founder and CEO, Bryan Setser, into the 2024 Education Hall of Fame at his alma mater, East Carolina University (ECU). This well-deserved recognition honors Bryan's lifelong dedication to transforming education across local, national, and international stages.

Bryan's professional journey began at ECU, where he graduated with honors in 1994. Even in his early career, his passion shone brightly. As an English teacher at Catawba County Schools, his innovative use of technology earned him the Centennial Medal from Philadelphia University.

His time as a soccer coach, where he earned Conference and Regional Soccer Coach of the Year awards, revealed a talent for leadership and strategy as his teams would go on to finish 103-35-7 and win conference titles as well as be a regular fixture in the top 10 state rankings.

As assistant principal in Mooresville Graded School District and principal in Union County Public Schools, Bryan's visionary leadership led to numerous awards, including Principal of the Year, the Jack Mcall Award Winner, and School Improvement Project of the Year from the Principal’s Executive Program at UNC Chapel Hill. He would later lead several transformative efforts with the Iredell-Statesville School District as Chief Quality Officer, where his focus on excellence in education and staff development brought the district widespread recognition, including the Malcolm Baldrige Award, Advanced Ed, and APQC national awards.

Bryan further revolutionized education in his role as CEO of the North Carolina Virtual Public School (NCVPS), propelling it to national prominence. During his tenure, NCVPS exceeded state and national benchmarks, including being recognized as the country’s second-largest virtual school and ranking in the top 5 of all state virtual schools on performance metrics. 

After NCVPS, Bryan went on be a partner at two future of learning and work consulting firms, 2Revolutions and rpk GROUP. At both firms, Bryan worked across 35 states and 10 countries helping clients, foundations, and partners design and build sustainable and innovative programs, products, and services for education communities across the globe. Today, Bryan is CEO at Setser Group Collective and Board Member of Setser Group Community. In the past four years, Setser Group has become a trusted advisor, designer, and transformation partner to more than 40 clients nationally and internationally.

ECU's Hall of Fame induction isn't just about past achievements – it's about Bryan's relentless drive to shape the future of education. His example inspires leaders everywhere to break boundaries and make lasting impacts.

Bryan with Dr. Andre Green, Dean of the ECU School of Education and Mrs. Amber Brewer, Chair of the ECU Professional Advisory Board.

Bryan Setser's leadership embodies the core principles of the Wayfinder Way, an approach he developed and championed to create environments where diverse perspectives are valued and all feel a sense of belonging. As an educator, administrator, and entrepreneur, he has demonstrated a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Bryan's pioneering work in leveraging technology for educational and workforce development has demonstrated his belief in using innovative solutions to amplify human potential. Driven by a human-centric approach, Bryan has expertly balanced technology, including AI, to augment the creativity, empathy, and decision-making of those he serves. His empathetic leadership style has inspired teams and stakeholders, fostering a culture of shared purpose. In this way, he exemplifies the Wayfinder ethos of leading with vision, empathy, and a steadfast determination to create a more equitable and inclusive future.

As the inscription on the Hall of Fame wall reads, "His deep purpose for people profoundly impacted what we could be for self, others, and society.”

Bryan's nomination team including Bryan's long time mentor and friend, ECU Professor Tom Williams, Dr. Art Rouse, former ECU Dean of Education, and Bryan's former professors, Dr. Marjorie Campo, and Dr. James McDowell. Bryan is supported by his family Allison McLaughlin Setser and Chris Setser, also pictured. 

The team at Setser Group unanimously recognizes Bryan's commitment to fostering unity and bridging societal divides. It is clear that he firmly believes in a future bright with opportunities for everyone, viewing it not as a privilege for the few but as a fundamental right for all. I feel profoundly privileged to be guided by a leader so dedicated to creating a foundation for a thriving future for every individual.

Congratulations, Bryan on this well-deserved honor!