Title: Principal
Company: Bertie High School
Location: Jacksonville, North Carolina, United States
Jonathan D. Matthews, EdD, principal at Bertie High School, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Educators for dedication, achievements, and leadership in academia.
With nearly two decades of experience, Dr. Matthews has excelled as the principal of Bertie High School since 2022 and as assistant principal of Topsail High School in the Pender County Schools District since 2017. His background also includes serving as director of bands at South Central High School in Pitt County Schools from 2011 to 2017, exceptional children’s program teacher assistant in Onslow County Schools from 2010 to 2011, and director of bands in both the Craven County School District from 2009 to 2010 and Onslow County Schools from 2006 to 2009. He is a member of the North Carolina Principals and Assistant Principals Association, the North Carolina Association of School Administrators, the National Association for Music Education, the North Carolina Music Educators Association, and is an alumni member of the Rho Alpha Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., as well as a member of Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society and Omega Nu Lambda National College Honor Society.
Dr. Matthews has volunteered with the Onslow County United Way since 2020, providing weekend meals for students eligible for free and reduced lunch during the summer. In 2024, he founded a nonprofit charity organization focused on assisting young, underserved, and minority students. The organization’s mission is to enhance these students’ marketability and dismantle barriers to college admissions by offering support services and empowering them to achieve academic and professional success while promoting greater equity in education. In recognition of his impressive achievements, he was honored as a North Carolina Teaching Fellows Scholar in 2002. He laid a solid educational foundation for his success by earning a Bachelor of Arts in music education from the College of Education at East Carolina University in 2006, a master’s degree in school administration from the same institution in 2013, and a Doctor of Education in educational leadership and Administration from Liberty University with High Distinction in 2023.
Dr. Matthews takes great pride in the lives he has touched, both adults and students, and has received numerous testimonials, letters, and emails from those who have appreciated his leadership and acknowledged their growth under his guidance. He attributes his success to his deep passion for education and children, which serves as the cornerstone of his achievements. His strong faith in God and understanding of His purpose for his life have guided him throughout his journey. In the coming years, Dr. Matthews plans to establish a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting minority and underserved students and communities. His goal is to enhance their marketability for higher education and increase their scholarship eligibility. He envisions himself taking on the role of full-time president within this initiative, aiming to facilitate transformative changes. Initially, he plans to focus on students statewide, with a strategic vision to expand the organization’s reach nationwide. His ultimate goal is to empower students from diverse backgrounds to successfully transition from high school to college, ensuring higher admissions and graduation rates, particularly among individuals of color and those from underserved communities.
In offering advice to aspiring professionals, Dr. Matthews emphasizes the importance of maintaining genuine connections with students, parents, teachers, and community members. He advocates for respecting individuals for their intrinsic value and fostering relationships built on trust rather than authority. By prioritizing human connection over administrative hierarchy, he believes that effective leadership in education can truly thrive.
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