news-category: Alumni

Celebrating Alumni – Dr. Tia Jones Honored as National Outstanding Assistant Principal

a collage featuring Dr. Tia Jones on the right with the name of her award on the left

GWU Alumna is One of 19 Recognized by the National Association of Elementary School Principals

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Students are the focus of Gardner-Webb University’s mission. Faculty members seek to engage students with unique, experiential learning opportunities to prepare them for their next steps. Whether they choose to begin a career or accept the academic challenges of graduate school, students are equipped with the knowledge and skills to lead and serve. Additionally, through GWU’s supportive and diverse Christian community, students are inspired to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others.

Gardner-Webb alumna Dr. Tia Jones is a 2022 National Outstanding Assistant Principal, an award presented by the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP). Jones is an assistant principal at Catawba Trail Elementary School (Elgin, S.C.) in Richland School District Two. Annually, NAESP recognizes a cohort of assistant principals from across the country. This year, 19 assistant principals received the recognition for demonstrating exceptional leadership and setting high standards for their schools and community.

Jones received the award while attending the NAESP Pre-K-8 Principals Conference in Louisville, Kentucky. Reflecting on her educational journey, Jones said her love for education allows her to lean in and lead others.

Dr. Tia Jones

“In this life, we may all face some type of adversity, at some time or another. I am reminded of not only my ‘why’, but the ‘why nots’ of the world,” Jones affirmed. “Why not be the change agent for the next generation. I am humbled and honored for this recognition and the opportunity to continue to grow the profession that I love so dear.”

She began her educational career 24 years ago working as an instructional assistant at Forest Lake Elementary School. She has taught at Rice Creek Elementary and Sandlapper Elementary schools and spent the last nine years as an assistant principal at Catawba Trail.

Jennifer Gillespie, principal of Catawba Trail Elementary School, was not surprised at Jones receiving the honor. “Her commitment and passion for education is apparent in all she does each day at Catawba Trail,” Gillespie praised. “Dr. Jones is a servant leader and prides herself in developing positive relationships with students, their families, faculty, and staff. Dr. Jones is extremely creative and I am proud to have her on our team.”

Jones holds a Bachelor of Science degree in early childhood education from S.C. State University in Orangeburg, a Master of Education degree in divergent learning from Columbia College, an Educational Specialist degree in educational administration from Cambridge College in Cambridge, Mass., and Doctor of Education in organizational leadership from Gardner-Webb. She is also national board certified.

She and her husband Woodrow have five children, all graduates of Richland District Two, one of whom is an elementary school teacher in the district. They recently lost one daughter, First Lt. Justice R. Stewart who was struck and killed by an impaired driver last year while jogging near Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina.

Stay connected

Gardner-Webb’s faculty and staff are eager to hear about and celebrate alumni news and success. There are three ways to share your story with us:

•          Contact a faculty member.

•          Touch base with Alumni Relations.

•          Share your story here.

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.

Previous News Article

Introduction of GWU's New VP and Director of Athletics Seen by Viewers Across the Globe

Next News Article

Fulbright Scholar Eloisa Sofia Puello Cabeza Shares Her Hispanic Culture and Heritage

Related News

  • News Article

    Gardner-Webb Professor of Spanish, Dr. Charles B. Moore Receives Distinguished Award to Publish His Book

    Competitive Grant Presented Annually to One Sigma Delta Pi National Spanish Honor Society Sponsor BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb University Professor of Spanish Dr. Charles Moore has been honored with a distinguished award from Sigma Delta Pi and publisher, Ediciones Albatros, of Valencia Spain. Awarded annually to a current Sigma Delta Pi National Spanish Honor Society sponsor, […]

    Students and professors pose at the Sigma Delta Pi induction ceremony
  • News Article

    Gardner-Webb Alumnae, Sherika Eskridge and Sharon S. Robbs, Named William C. Friday Fellows

    Unique Statewide Program Announces 2025-2027 Class BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The William C. Friday Fellowship for Human Relations, the flagship program of Wildacres Leadership Initiative (WLI), has named its 2025-2027 class. Gardner-Webb alumnae, Sherika Eskridge and Sharon Surratt Robbs, both of Cleveland County, N.C., are two of just 18 individuals across North Carolina selected for the thirteenth […]

  • News Article

    Lt. Cmdr. Caroline Gray Potter Discovered Her Interest in Psychology and Sense of Adventure at Gardner-Webb University

    An Officer and Social Worker in the Navy, Alumna Provides Mental Health Support to Sailors BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Originally from Kitty Hawk, N.C., Lt. Cmdr. Caroline Gray Potter chose to attend Gardner-Webb University after her first visit to campus. On a whim, her family decided to go see the place where her grandparents met, dated, and […]