LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Dr. Jeff James was nominated by an anonymous colleague.

After 20 years in the private sector, Dr. James began his educational career in 2002 at Statesville High School in Iredell County as a special education teacher. Next, he taught business technology at Lake Norman High School, implementing the county’s first Cisco Network Engineering Academy.

Dr. James began his career in school administration as an assistant principal, high school summer school principal, and then interim principal at South Iredell High School. Later, he was tasked with the challenge of turning around one of the district’s lowest performing middle schools. As principal at Troutman Middle School, where most of the students were economically disadvantaged, Dr. James led the school to high growth and met measurable objectives. Troutman Middle was named a school of distinction multiple times. The school had the highest composite growth of all middle schools in the Iredell system for 2009-2011. During his tenure, Troutman Middle was also recognized by the N.C. Department of Public Instruction as one of the “Top 25 Most Improved Schools.

Dr. James has served as assistant superintendent for Montgomery County Schools (MCS), where his duties related to learning, federal programs and pre-K.  Currently, he is Superintendent for Stanly County Schools.  Under his leadership, Stanly County Schools has increased cafeteria participation rates, increased test scores, and built community relationships to support the students of Stanly County. 

"Dr. James understands the importance keeping all decisions student-focused while supporting staff at all levels.  He is an innovator and visionary who wants only the best for the community he serves," said his nominator.