Phone: 910-484-8121 ext. 703

Email Mr. Kenneth B. Williams

Hello Eagle Families!

My name is Kenneth Williams and I wanted to introduce myself and express my excitement to be back in the Douglas Byrd Eagles' nest.  I began my professional educational journey in Cumberland County Schools as a mathematics teacher at Douglas Byrd High School where I also coached Men's Basketball and Women's Softball.  Being back at 1624 Ireland Drive brings me joy and hope because I know the great history and legacy of Douglas Byrd High School and that it is destined to continue to produce highly productive, model citizens who can make meaningful contributions to our community and world.  Over the next several weeks, I look forward to meeting with faculty, staff, and students.  I will also invite parents and the community to the Principal Roundtables beginning this spring.  This provides parents and the surrounding Douglas Byrd District community the opportunity to have voice and input as well as the necessary information needed to support our school family.  I firmly believe in the famous African proverb "it takes a village to raise a child" and with your collective help, we will educate, nurture, and cultivate our students to expect, do and be the best at Douglas Byrd High School and throughout the Douglas Byrd district.  If you have any questions or would like to speak with me, call the school at 910-484-8121 or email me at Email Mr. Kenneth B. Williams I am looking forward to not only a successful rest of the school year, but also sustainable success for many years to come.

Sincerely,

Kenneth B. Williams

Principal

Douglas Byrd High

Phone: 910-484-8121 ext, 707

Email Mr. Jeffrey Gotshall

Mr. Gotshall was born and raised in Williamsport, PA where he graduated from Williamsport Area High School.  He served in the United States Army for 7 years as an Intelligence Analyst.  Mr. Gotshall obtained an Associate Degree in Business Management from Fayetteville Technical Community College in 1997, his Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Mathematics Education from Fayetteville State University in 2005, and his Master of Arts in Executive Leadership from Gardner Webb University in 2018.  He began his career as a Math Teacher at Luther Nick Jeralds Middle School from January 2006 to June 2006, then at Seventy First High School from August 2006 to July 2021.  Mr. Gotshall is excited to work with the Douglas Byrd community to help the students achieve great success in their educational journey and pursue their dreams.  He enjoys spending time with his wife and their dogs.  Mr. Gotshall also enjoys going camping and playing golf.

Phone: 910-484-8121 ext. 705

Email Ms. Tanya Johnson

Tanya Johnson, a proud 1989 graduate of Pine Forest High School, has dedicated her life to shaping young minds and fostering a love for learning. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education with a minor in English from Fayetteville State University in 1993, followed by a Master’s in School Administration from the same institution in 2009.

With 30 years of experience in education, Tanya has spent 14 years enriching the lives of her students as a 2nd, 5th, and 6th-grade teacher. In 2009, she transitioned into school administration, beginning her journey at Westover Middle School before moving to Douglas Byrd High School in 2019.

Tanya's passion for education stems from her own experiences as a student. She is committed to providing positive experiences and encouragement, helping students unlock their full potential. Her philosophy emphasizes empathy, understanding, and consistency, coupled with high expectations and accountability, to create a nurturing yet challenging environment for students.

In her free time, Tanya enjoys reading suspense novels, indulging in creative crafting, and relaxing with her favorite TV shows. She hopes her dedication to education and her love for her community continue to inspire those around her.

Phone: 910-484-8121 ext. 706

Email Mr. Jesse Howard

Jesse Howard is currently an assistant principal having served over 27 years as an educator. Mr. Howard has served in many aspects of education such as choral and bandleader, wrestling, and track coach and worked on a contractual basis at Fayetteville State University. Mr. Howard is also a retired lieutenant colonel having served 28 years in the United States Army Reserve.  Mr. Howard successfully completed Command and General Staff College at Fort Dix, New Jersey. He is a native of Petersburg, Virginia with an undergraduate degree from Virginia State University where he successfully completed his Bachelor of Arts in Music Education and a minor in Military Science. He also received his Master of Arts in Executive Leadership from Gardner-Webb University. Mr. Howard is dedicated to inspiring all students to soar, empowering all educators, and support specialists to provide high-quality education and operational support services to students of all ages.

Phone: 910-484-8121 ext. 704

Email Ms. Jennifer Davis

Jennifer Davis is a graduate of Westover High School in Cumberland County.  Ms. Davis was awarded the North Carolina Teaching Fellow Scholarship that enabled her to graduate from East Carolina University with a Bachelor of Science in Social Studies Education.  Following graduation, Ms. Davis returned to Cumberland County Schools to teach at 71st High School.  While at 71st High School, Ms. Davis achieved National Board Certification in Adolescence Social Studies Education and a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction in Social Studies Education 6 - 12 from Campbell University.  In 2010, Ms. Davis began teaching at Cape Fear High School where she earned a Masters in Administration from Campbell University in 2016.  Ms. Davis came to Douglas Byrd High School in 2018 as a social studies lead and SGA adviser. In 2020, Ms. Davis was awarded Teacher of the Year at Douglas Byrd High School and for the attendance area.  In January 2022, Ms. Davis accepted an administrative position with Douglas Byrd High School.  She is excited to be working alongside the Premier Professionals of Douglas Byrd and to make a difference in the lives of our children and community.  She believes that change starts from within and once accomplished, your impact on the world grows exponentially.  In her spare time, Ms. Davis enjoys spending time with family.