Dr. Vanessa Wrenn is the NC Department of Public Instruction’s Chief Information Officer. Previously, Dr. Wrenn joined the Department of Public Instruction as the director of the Division of Digital Teaching and Learning (DTL) after 22 years of experience working as an educator and administrator. She is focused on innovative approaches to teaching and learning in the digital age, especially broadening equitable access to quality digital resources and also blended instruction and personalized learning.
Prior to joining DPI, Wrenn served in Granville County Public Schools as the director of digital teaching and learning, chief technology officer, director of career and technical education, and online learning. During her time as director of digital teaching and learning with Granville schools, Wrenn led the implementation of the digital learning plan, device equity, infrastructure expansion, and the development of digital learning competencies for teachers and administrators.
A North Carolina native, Wrenn began her career as a career and technical education teacher, where she was awarded NCACTE Marketing Teacher-of- the-Year. She earned a bachelor’s degree and a master of science in curriculum and instruction from North Carolina State University, and she holds a doctorate in education from Liberty University. Wrenn has developed and directed blended and online schools, which leverage innovative practices in digital-age learning.