Dudley Flood

Dudley E. Flood (born September 13, 1932) is an American retired educator and administrator in the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and was instrumental in desegregating North Carolina schools.

Early life Dudley E. Flood, an African American, was born on September 13, 1932, in Winton, North Carolina. He received his bachelor's degree from North Carolina Central University in 1954. Flood taught from 1955 to 1967 and was a principal at a Pitt County School from 1968 to 1970. Early in his teaching career, Flood taught Eighth Grade English, Math, and Science. Prior to serving as principal, he was a high school social studies teacher as well as a varsity football and basketball coach. Flood said, "I always knew I would be a teacher. I didn't know where, how or when, but I always knew I would be a teacher." After being a principal Flood went on to work for the State Department of Public Instruction from 1970 to 1973.

Desegregation attempts While working for the Department of Public Instruction, Flood, along with Gene Causby, was tasked with helping local communities desegregate their schools. The two men traveled across the state meeting with elected officials, community activists, and parents in order to ensure desegregation.

Awards and honors Flood was inducted into the Educators Hall of Fame at East Carolina University. “The Educators Hall of Fame recognizes and highlights the service of those educators to whom East Carolina alumni and friends are most grateful. This permanent recognition is displayed prominently in the Speight Building.”