The UNC Board of Governors created the University of North Carolina Center for School Leadership Development in 1997. The Center was created in order to extend the resources of higher education to the public schools by offering a comprehensive selection of professional development opportunities designed for educators, ranging from novice teachers to veteran administrators and teacher-leaders. Professional development programs conducted within the Center are aligned with the State Board of Education goals that incorporate the belief that every student is entitled to competent, caring administrators and teachers.

In October, 2001, the UNC-Center for School Leadership Development opened a beautiful, new, state-of-the-art conferencing facility dedicated to providing university-based professional growth and learning opportunities for public school educators. The 50,000 square foot facility includes computer labs, seminar rooms, larger classrooms / lecture space, and a dining room with an attached warming kitchen. Each room is wired for internet access and is equipped with the latest in audiovisual technology, with two rooms providing video conferencing capabilities. The Center also provides office space for center programs and affiliates.

The UNC-Center for School Leadership Development is situated in the central Piedmont section of North Carolina, near the state capital, three major universities, and the Research Triangle Park. The Center is a short distance from Interstate 40, which runs east-west across the state, and Interstate 85, which runs north-south.

Located just a short drive from the UNC-Chapel Hill campus, the UNC-Center for School Leadership Development offers conference participants quiet and attractive surroundings conducive to professional development activities.