By Sarah Campbell
scampbell@salisburypost.com
EAST SPENCER — A Salisbury native will take over the top spot at Salisbury High School being vacated by Dr. Windsor Eagle.
Dr. Avis Williams, a graduate of North Rowan High School, will become the new principal when Eagle retires at the end of the school year after spending more than 30 years in the post.
“I could not be more excited about this opportunity,” she said in a press release. “This is a wonderful community and I look forward to coming home and being part of the Salisbury High School family.”
Williams is the current principal of J.E. Williams Technology Middle School in Huntsville, Ala. and an adjunct professor at Middle Tennessee State University.
She received the Marbury Technology Innovation Award, a state level honor, and was nominated for Young Professional of the Year for Huntsville in 2011.
Williams lists her areas of expertise as use of classroom technology, understanding the common core curriculum standards, educating children in poverty, building strong leadership teams and creating a collaborative school culture.
She has worked as a high school English teacher and a principal at both elementary and middle schools.
Williams enlisted in the U.S. Army after graduating from North Rowan. She served as an administrative supervisor during her time in the service and was posted in Korea, South Carolina and Alabama.
After being honorably discharged from the military in 1991, she received her bachelor’s degree from Athens State College in Athens, Ala. She went on to earn her educational doctorate at the University of Alabama.
The school board voted unanimously 6-0 to hire Williams on Monday.
“She is going to be outstanding,” Chairmen Dr. Jim Emerson said. “We know that filling Dr. Eagle’s shoes is probably going to be an impossible task, but we have someone I think is a strong educator who is going to be very successful and not lose a step.”
Bryce Beard, who was not present for the vote Monday but served on the interview committee, said Williams’ Rowan County connection combined with her impressive resume and presence convinced him she was the right person for the job.
“I personally think that Dr. Williams has the best chance to transition that school, take ownership and hopefully be there for a long time,” he said in an email.
Williams has a 17-year-old daughter and dubbed herself a soccer and cheer mom.
She is an avid runner and has completed a number of 10K races and half marathons.
Contact reporter Sarah Campbell at 704-797-7683.
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