News Summary
The School of Inquiry and Life Sciences at Asheville has appointed Dr. Jeremy R. Gibbs as its new principal, effective July 1. With over 20 years of experience in educational leadership, Gibbs has held various roles, including Deputy State Superintendent. He expresses enthusiasm for continuing SILSA’s tradition of academic excellence.
Asheville, NC – The School of Inquiry and Life Sciences at Asheville (SILSA) has appointed Dr. Jeremy R. Gibbs as its new principal, effective July 1, 2025. Dr. Gibbs brings over 20 years of educational leadership experience to the role, with a career that spans classroom teaching, school and district administration, and high-level state education leadership.
Most recently, Dr. Gibbs has worked as a Senior Consultant and Grant Writer for EducationNC, where he focused on supporting educational leaders and institutions in North Carolina. His expertise includes leadership development and grant acquisition, essential skills that he will bring to his new position at SILSA. Additionally, he has dedicated his efforts to recovery initiatives in Western North Carolina, showcasing his commitment to the region’s educational landscape.
Dr. Gibbs has extensive leadership experience, previously serving as the Deputy State Superintendent of Public Instruction for North Carolina’s Department of Public Instruction. In this role, he provided executive leadership for over 1.5 million students across 115 school districts, directing school improvement initiatives while overseeing nearly $1 billion in annual grants. His responsibilities encompassed various statewide programs related to school safety, nutrition, transportation, and facility operations, highlighting his broad scope of influence in North Carolina’s education system.
His experience in Western North Carolina is particularly noteworthy. As the Director of Regional Support Services for the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction’s Western Region, Dr. Gibbs supported the efforts of 18 local school districts. He designed innovative school improvement plans and served as a key liaison for superintendents, indicating his strong collaborative approach to educational leadership.
In addition to his administrative roles, Dr. Gibbs is an adjunct instructor at Western Carolina University, where he teaches courses in educational leadership, human resources, and school finance for both doctoral and master’s level students. His involvement in higher education demonstrates his commitment to developing the next generation of educational leaders.
In his prior positions with Transylvania County Schools from 2011 to 2019, Dr. Gibbs held several key roles, including Chief Academic Officer, Director of Human Resources, and Principal of Brevard High School. Notably, during his tenure as principal, Brevard High School achieved its highest graduation rate ever, exceeding 90%. The school also earned recognition as one of North Carolina’s Best High Schools by U.S. News & World Report, further exemplifying Dr. Gibbs’ effective leadership.
Under Dr. Gibbs’ leadership, Brevard High School implemented several innovative initiatives, such as a 1:1 device program aimed at enhancing student learning experiences and restructured school schedules to facilitate better student support and teacher collaboration. His approach underscores a commitment to modernizing educational practices to better serve students and staff alike.
Dr. Gibbs’ educational qualifications include a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Western Carolina University, a Master of School Administration from North Carolina State University, and a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from East Carolina University. His academic background complements his practical experience, making him well-suited for his new role.
Recognized for his accomplishments, Dr. Gibbs has been awarded the title of Principal of the Year in Transylvania County Schools and received the Dr. Sam Houston Leadership Award from the North Carolina School Superintendents’ Association. His accolades reflect a long-standing dedication to educational excellence.
Dr. Gibbs expressed enthusiasm about joining SILSA, a school renowned for its rigorous inquiry-based curriculum and commitment to preparing students for the 21st century. He is inspired by the school’s spirit of innovation, exploration, and creativity, and looks forward to working collaboratively with students, families, faculty, staff, and the community to uphold and enhance SILSA’s tradition of academic excellence.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Asheville Appoints New Principal for SILSA
Challenges Facing Asheville Public High School Students
Additional Resources
- Mountain Xpress: Dr. Jeremy Gibbs Appointed Principal of SILSA
- Wikipedia: Education in North Carolina
- Mountain Xpress: NC School Superintendents Association Honors Leaders
- Google Search: Educational Leadership
- Google Scholar: Dr. Jeremy Gibbs
