Worrell Named D.H. Conley High School Principal
T.J. Worrell will lead D.H. Conley High School as its principal according to an announcement on Wednesday by Pitt County Schools Deputy Superintendent Dr. Steve Lassiter. The appointment will be effective July 1, 2024.
In addition to possessing 26 overall years as an educator, Worrell (WHIRL) has served as a principal since 2014. Most recently, he provided leadership to the Northeast Academy for Aerospace and Advanced Technologies for the last six years after top on-campus roles in the Tyrrell County (2014-2015) and Elizabeth City-Pasquotank County (2015-2018) public school systems.
Worrell will replace Dr. Michael Swinson, who was named to a similar position at Washington (N.C.) High School after a three-year tenure at DHC.
"We are confident Mr. Worrell will be an exemplary addition to Pitt County Schools," Lassiter said. "While his credentials as an educator and leader speak for itself, his familiarity and experience within the eastern North Carolina footprint is a strong cultural match that will serve the D.H. Conley High School community well and continue to build on its proud tradition."
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T.J. Worrell - Principal, D.H. Conley High School (effective 07/01/24)
Employment:
2018-2024 -- Principal, Northeast Academy for Aerospace and Advanced Technologies
2015-2018 -- Principal, Elizabeth City Middle School
2014-2015 -- Principal, Columbia Middle School
2013-2014 -- Assistant Principal, Washington County Union Middle School
2012-2013 -- Health/Physical Education Teacher/Head Football Coach, Columbia Early College High School
2006-2012 -- Health/Physical Education Teacher/Head Football Coach, Perquimans County High School
2004-2006 -- Transition Coordinator, Nash-Rocky Mount Schools
2001-2004 -- Exceptional Children Teacher, Nash Central High School
1999-2001 -- Exceptional Children Teacher, Northern Nash High School
1998-1999 -- Physical Education Teacher/Athletics Director, Ocracoke School
Misc ... recognized as the 2023 Wells Fargo (N.C.) Charter School Principal of the Year after providing exemplary leadership and support for all EAAAT instructional, operational, cultural and personnel entities; selected as a presenter at the NCTIES (2021, 2022) and AIM (2022, 2023) Conference(s); serves on the State Superintendent's Principal's Advisory Council and NC Teacher Working Conditions Survey (TWCS) Advisory Committee, and as a NC Competency Based Education Advisor; holds memberships in the Schools Superintendents Association, NC Technology in Education Society and NC Association of School Administrators; completed Distinguished Leadership in Practice in Digital Learning (development program) with the NC Principals and Assistant Principals Association (NCPAPA); as principal at Elizabeth City Middle School, had oversight of a successful 1:1 digital learning implementation (becoming the first school in the district to reach the accomplishment); held a combined seven-year tenure as head football coach with two different programs and was a member of both the N.C. Coaches and N.C. Football Coaches Association(s).
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in physical education - Western Carolina University (1998)
Master’s degree in executive leadership studies - Gardner-Webb University (2015)
Education Administration and Supervision, EdS - East Carolina University (2022)
Statement:
"I want to thank Dr. Lenker, Dr. Lassiter and the Board of Education for their trust in me to lead D.H. Conley High School. I am excited about the opportunity to serve as principal and work with the students, staff and community of Pitt County. I look forward to sharing my diverse experiences with the school community to ensure students leave D.H. Conley well-equipped to meet their post-secondary goals. D.H. Conley has a strong tradition of excellence, and I am eager to contribute to the school’s continued success."
