KINGSPORT, Tenn. – Dobyns-Bennett High School Principal Dr. Chris Hampton is the 2019 recipient of the William J. and Lucille H. Field Award for Excellence in Secondary Principalship for the State of Tennessee. 

 

The Field Award was established to recognize one outstanding secondary school leader each year who demonstrates leadership excellence through commitment to the values of civility, candor, courage, social justice, responsibility, compassion, community, persistence, service, and excellence. Administered by the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences at the University of Tennessee, the Field Award identifies a Tennessee secondary school principal whose life and work are characterized by leadership excellence; encourages secondary school principals to pause and reflect upon their current leadership practice; and to consider their experience, challenges, and opportunities in light of the personal values that they embody.

 

"This recognition is a great honor and I appreciate our Administrative Support Center for the nomination," said Dr. Chris Hampton, Dobyns-Bennett High School Principal. "Most importantly, this is not the type and level of recognition I could have ever earned on my own. While I am honored and humbled as the recipient, this award was really earned by a tireless group of Dobyns-Bennett employees who give 200 percent everyday to support the best students a principal could be blessed to serve."   

Dr. Hampton has been a professional educator since 1998, holding an Ed.D in Educational Administration and Supervision, a master’s degree in Elementary Education and a bachelor’s degree in Geography. Prior to his current role as Dobyns-Bennett Principal, Hampton served as a Secondary Curriculum Coordinator, an Assistant Principal, a High School Counselor, and a Special Education Teacher.

 

"I am very proud of Dr. Hampton and his leadership of Dobyns-Bennett," said Kingsport City Schools Superintendent Dr. Jeff Moorhouse. "He has worked with his administrative team and his faculty and staff to create a culture of excellence at Dobyns-Bennnett. To be recognized by the University of Tennessee validates the exceptional work that they have accomplished together."  

 

During his tenure at Dobyns-Bennett, Hampton has led his team to excellence by supporting academic rigor, student achievement, and college and career readiness. Under his leadership, Dobyns-Bennett has been recognized by Newsweek in their Top High Schools list; by U.S. News and World Report in their Best High Schools list; and by the Washington Post as a top high school for academic rigor.  

 

Hampton has been described by his peers as, “a learning leader, an advocate for all students, a strong collaborator who inspires trust and confidence with his teachers, and a courageous leader who never accepts the status quo.” His philosophy of implementing a model of leadership for the success of all students is highlighted by his commitment to building a culture of collaborative and shared leadership for the ultimate success of his teachers and students.

 

Kingsport City Schools (KCS) is a public school district located in Kingsport, Tenn., serving students in Sullivan and Hawkins county. The district is comprised of 13 schools, including a Pre-K, eight elementary schools, two middle schools, one high school, a high school program of choice and an alternative learning program; with total enrollment over 7,700 students. The vision of Kingsport City Schools is to Inspire. Cultivate. Impact.