Dr. Quinita Morrow: Building Businesses, Confidence, and Community in the Classroom — Episode 75 cover art

Dr. Quinita Morrow: Building Businesses, Confidence, and Community in the Classroom — Episode 75

Dr. Quinita Morrow: Building Businesses, Confidence, and Community in the Classroom — Episode 75

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 On this episode of The Town Square Podcast, Trey Bailey and Gabriel Stovall sit down with Dr. Quinita Morrow, the 2026 Newton County Schools Teacher of the Year and a marketing teacher at Alcovy High School.But if you think this episode is simply about an award, think again.Dr. Morrow represents something much bigger than a title. Her classroom is a place where entrepreneurship is born, where students learn real-world skills most adults wish they had learned earlier, and where relationships, not textbooks, are the foundation of meaningful education.In a wide-ranging conversation, Dr. Morrow shares her journey from business professional to educator, how she brings real-world marketing into the classroom, and why relationships are the single most powerful tool a teacher can have.And if you listen closely, you’ll hear something else too: a hopeful story about the future of Newton County’s students.From the Business World to the ClassroomDr. Morrow didn’t initially plan on becoming a teacher.Her first dream was to pursue a career in business. But during high school, one teacher made a lasting impact on her life: her 11th-grade business teacher, Ms. Marshall.That teacher inspired her to consider education, but the realities of teacher salaries pushed her toward the corporate world instead. After earning her degree in business, Dr. Morrow took a job in finance at Wells Fargo.But it didn’t take long for her to realize something important.“This is not for me.”She attended a job fair in Newton County Schools—and was hired on the spot.She originally planned to teach for just one year while figuring out her next steps.Nineteen years later, she’s still teaching.And changing lives.A Defining Moment in 2016Like many educators, Dr. Morrow’s journey hasn’t always been easy.In 2016, after losing her father, she reached a point where she wasn’t sure what the next chapter of her life should look like. She had even signed a contract to move to China to teach.Her visa had been approved. Everything was ready.But a close friend challenged her to reflect on whether she was pursuing the opportunity or simply trying to run away from grief.After prayer and reflection, Dr. Morrow sent an email declining the position.That same night, she received an unexpected email from Luella High School offering her an interview—even though she had never applied.She got the job.For Dr. Morrow, that moment reaffirmed something she had already begun to realize:She was exactly where she was meant to be.The Power of Real-World LearningDr. Morrow teaches marketing—but her classroom is far from a traditional lecture environment.Her students learn through real-world application.Every year, her classes develop an entire business from the ground up. Students create business plans, develop branding, build websites, manufacture products, and ultimately sell those products through pop-up shops.This year alone, some students generated hundreds—even thousands—of dollars in revenue through their projects.But Dr. Morrow teaches them an even more important lesson.Revenue isn’t the same thing as profit.“If you made $1,000 but spent $900,” she tells them, “you didn’t make $1,000. You made $100.”Those are lessons many adults learn the hard way. Her students are learning them in high school.Entrepreneurship in ActionOne of Dr. Morrow’s former students, Jordan Jackson, launched a clothing brand as part of the class’s final project.His brand—BLXCK Clothing Co.—stood for Bold Leadership Through Creative Knowledge.The project gained traction through a Shark Tank-style presentation where investors helped him fund equipment for the business.Jordan continued selling his clothing line even after enrolling at North Carolina A&T.And he’s not the only one.Students in Dr. Morrow’s classes have launched baking businesses, apparel brands, and other entrepreneurial ventures.The goal is simple:Let students experiment with business ideas while the stakes are still low.“I would rather you make the mistakes here,” she says, “than in the real world.”The Speaker Series That Brings the World to AlcovyPerhaps the most unique element of Dr. Morrow’s classroom is her speaker series.Every week, she reaches out to entrepreneurs, professionals, and influencers to speak with her students.The process is not easy.Every Monday she sends around 150 emails.On a good week, two people respond.But over time, persistence built relationships—and now speakers often reach out to her asking when they can visit the class.The result is remarkable exposure for students.Her classroom has hosted 180 to 190 speakers each year, including· Small business owners· Media personalities· Entrepreneurs· Corporate professionals· Influencers· AthletesStudents get to hear firsthand what success looks like—and what it actually takes to get there.And often, those speakers return...
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