Durham, N.C. — Durham Public Schools Superintendent Eric Becoats has been named the 2012 Joseph E. Hill Superintendent of the Year by the National Alliance of Black School Educators.

The award is named for a longtime educator and founding member of the organization and is given annually to a superintendent who has demonstrated leadership resulting in significant positive outcomes for black students.

Becoats will accept the award next month during the group's annual conference in Nashville, Tenn.