Craven County Schools Principal Dr. Marlow Artis Selected as 2026 Southeast Regional Principal of the Year
![Principal of the Year, Dr. Marlow Artis and his grandmother smiling for a photo.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1767989746/cravenk12org/reqkfya6dvjohmehatec/Artis_Grandma.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1767989746/cravenk12org/reqkfya6dvjohmehatec/Artis_Grandma.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1767989746/cravenk12org/reqkfya6dvjohmehatec/Artis_Grandma.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1767989746/cravenk12org/reqkfya6dvjohmehatec/Artis_Grandma.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1767989746/cravenk12org/reqkfya6dvjohmehatec/Artis_Grandma.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1767989746/cravenk12org/reqkfya6dvjohmehatec/Artis_Grandma.jpg","width":2200}])
New Bern, NC — Craven County Schools is proud to announce that Dr. Marlow Artis, the district’s Principal of the Year, has been selected as the 2026 Southeast Regional Principal of the Year, a prestigious honor recognizing outstanding school leadership across the region.
The announcement was made during a surprise celebration held this morning at the Craven County Board of Education, where Dr. Artis was recognized in the presence of special guests, board members, and education leaders. Attending the celebration were Mrs. Jessica Swain, Wells Fargo Branch Manager and Assistant Vice President; Mr. Jason Johnson, 2025 Wells Fargo Principal of the Year; Dr. Beth Metcalf, Southeast Regional Director for the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI); and Mrs. Christy Propst, 2025 Southeast Regional Principal of the Year.
This regional recognition is part of the North Carolina Principal of the Year program, coordinated by NCDPI and supported by Wells Fargo, and honors principals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, dedication, and commitment to student success.
During his remarks, Dr. Artis shared his deep passion for education and expressed gratitude for the team at Craven Early College, emphasizing that their collective work makes student success possible. He also spoke about his love for his students and his belief that every child has the ability to succeed when they are supported, encouraged, and valued.
Dr. Artis credited much of his personal and professional success to his grandmother, acknowledging her unwavering support and belief in him throughout his life. His student-centered leadership philosophy is rooted in the importance of helping each child recognize their potential and feel empowered to achieve their goals.
Craven County Schools is extremely proud of Dr. Artis and wishes him continued success as he advances in the selection process for North Carolina State Principal of the Year.