Born and raised in Fayetteville, NC, Dr. Matthews graduated from Terry Sanford High School and pursued higher education at East Carolina University, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education in 2006 as a NC Teaching Fellows Scholar, followed by a Master’s in School Administration in 2013. He also holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Liberty University, graduating with High Distinction. His academic achievements include memberships in Kappa Delta Pi and Omega Nu Lambda honor societies. Dr. Matthews is also a featured listee in the Marquis Who’s Who and a recipient of the Marquis Who’s Who Top Educators Award.
Dr. Matthews’s educational career began as a high school band director in eastern North Carolina, where he spent six years at South Central High School, and prior to that, taught at New Bern and Southwest Onslow High Schools. His dedication to music education led to numerous accolades for his students and bands, including a Grand Champion Award at the Crystal Coast Band Classic in 2009.
Beyond teaching, Dr. Matthews has been involved in mentorship and leadership roles, serving as a Clinical Teacher through East Carolina University and the Latham Clinical Schools Network, and participating on the leadership boards of the Onslow Winds Community Band and the North Carolina Music Educators Association. Dr. Matthews’s commitment to education is also reflected in his service with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. as Director of Educational Activities.
Prior to his role as High School Principal at DVS, Dr. Matthews served as principal of Bertie High School, where under his leadership the school saw significant improvements in its School Performance Score and growth metrics. Before leading Bertie HS, he was an administrator at Topsail High School, noted for its high graduation rates and consistent performance.
Dr. Matthews lives in Jacksonville, NC with his wife and their three children, ages 13, 12, and 7. They love to travel, discover new adventures, and play games together. They also love to host gatherings of their friends and family in their home. The Matthewses are also a very musical family. Mrs. Matthews is a flautist and middle school band teacher. Dr. and Mrs. Matthews’s son plays the euphonium, their daughter sings in the school chorus, and Dr. Matthews plays drums for their church!
Dr. Matthews is extremely excited and honored to serve as the High School Dogwood Virtual School! He is eager to leverage his experience and passion for education to foster a dynamic learning environment where we all can be Pioneers in education to forge our I’mPACT on tomorrow!
