The Public School Forum of North Carolina mourns the passing of Mayor Tom Bradshaw, a longtime emeritus board member and a dedicated leader whose impact on our state and its public schools will be long remembered.
Tom Bradshaw was a civic pioneer in Raleigh and beyond. At just 32, he became the youngest mayor in Raleigh’s history (1971–1973), where he championed infrastructure improvements and strong community investment. He went on to serve as North Carolina’s Secretary of Transportation under Governor Jim Hunt, helping guide key transportation initiatives for the state.
Beyond public office, Mayor Bradshaw brought his leadership to countless civic and nonprofit boards. He was deeply committed to supporting public education and the teachers, students, and families of North Carolina, maintaining active involvement with the Forum as a board member for over three decades and a former board chair. He also served as a member of the Advisory Board for the NC Center for Afterschool Programs and as a founding Advisory Board member for the Dudley Flood Center for Educational Equity and Opportunity.
His legacy of service, civic engagement, justice, and steadfast support for strong public schools will continue to inspire all who knew him.
Rest in peace, Mayor Tom Bradshaw. Your work has made North Carolina stronger.
Tom was a steadfast supporter of the Forum but importantly he was a strong proponent of public education and equity for all students .
Tom’s genuine commitment and his a willingness to be public about it inspired many
Tom was a genuine leader and advocate for quality public education for all students.
He truly made a difference
Tom’s leadership and energy fueled and guided untold projects and many civic organizations, not the least of which was the Forum. Always an inspiration and a fount of creative ideas, he was a master at bringing people together for the greater good. Rest in peace, Tom.
Tom was such a positive voice for innovation and progress in the pursuit of educational and community excellence. As a true champion for all public schools and students, he was a relentless advocate for increased opportunity, especially for our children with the greatest needs and most challenging conditions. Special appreciation to his wife, Mary Mac, and his children who were always so gracious in sharing Tom’s talent and time with us throughout his lifetime of servant leadership to North Carolina. Well done Mr. Bradshaw, thank you!
Tom was one of the people everyone wanted to be near during endlessly long (and sometimes dull) meetings or dinners. He was witty and had a repository of funny anecdotes and stories he drew upon in conversations. Once, when I told him how nice it is to see his names on the I40 link to Raleigh, he quickly replied, “O yeah. It was an answer to different people for different reasons. Some folks just enjoy riding over me or trying to go around me.” He was a treasure to Raleigh and to North Carolina and one of the small force that enabled us to move towards the future in so many ways back when nothing seemed impossible.
With respect and gratitude.
Cathy Crossland
Professor
NC State University