Lula Burrell worked 20 years for Tryon City Schools starting in 1941 before the U.S. entered World War II, then 30 years in Henderson until 1992. She was a treasured aide for Supts. J.M. Foster, Glenn C. Marlow, then Dr. Dan Lunsford. They described her as very dedicated and reliable, a pillar of the central office.
“There are not enough superlatives to describe Lula Burrell,” then-Supt. Marlow wrote when nominating her for a state award in 1989. Marlow described Burrell as an “expert” in various areas, and a dependable and “outstanding” worker. “She meticulously checks and double-checks to assure accuracy.”
The award Marlow nominated her for was Educational Office Professional (EOP) of the Year, which emphasized career achievement. She won that award in 1990. Since 2002, it’s been named for her. She’s among 28 charter members of the N.C. Assoc. of Educational Office Professionals, which boosts office staff training. She recalls the very day it began — April 28, 1951. She was NCAEOP state president in 1957-58, and district I head in 1952 for 15 westernmost counties. An EOP scholarship fund is in her name, since 1994. She’s attended all 59 of its state conferences, plus nine EOP national conferences.
2010 Education Hall of Fame
