Dr. Blake Wiggs

Dr. Blake Wiggs, a proud native of Eastern North Carolina and a first-generation college student, serves as the Director of Strategic Initiatives at The Innovation Project. Fueled by his passion for educational innovation and equity, he has dedicated much of his career to reimagining traditional schools, ensuring that each and every student receives a personalized, high-quality education.

Before joining TIP, Dr. Wiggs was a Research Scholar at the Friday Institute for Educational Innovation, where he collaborated with districts to create engaging adult learning experiences for teachers, coaches, and administrators. Drawing from his background in community organizing, his approach to facilitation is both compassionate and focused on fostering inclusive, equitable educational environments. As a former GED recipient and ninth-grade science and social studies teacher, he deeply understands the importance of providing equitable opportunities for post-secondary education.

In addition to offering high-quality professional learning opportunities across North Carolina, Wiggs co-authored the book Rethinking Classroom Design: Create Student-Centered Learning Spaces for 6-12th Graders, alongside ECU professor and Edutopia Blogger, Dr. Todd Finley. Recently, Dr. Wiggs has been conducting research in Peru and collaborating with Unlocking Silent Histories and the Kusi Kawsay Association to promote culturally sustaining practices through community-driven narratives.

Dr. Wiggs earned his Ed.D. in Educational Leadership with a concentration in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, as well as his M.A. in Teaching and B.A. in Anthropology from East Carolina University. As an Educational Policy Fellow and Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education alumnus, he is deeply committed to the intersection of equity, innovation, and policy in education, particularly in his home state of North Carolina.