Since what gets planned gets done, Dr. Marlow Artis has embedded executive functioning strategies into the culture of his school.
Together, he and his team have implemented practices such as consistent use of agendas and planners, explicit note-taking approaches and structured opening and closing routines. With less time spent on missing assignments and unclear instructions, teachers are able to engage students in higher-order thinking.
“Craven Early College High School's success is the product of intentional systems, consistent communication and shared leadership,” Artis said. “By building a culture where every team member understands their role in advancing our mission, we have created a well-coordinated, high-performing school community that thrives together – each and every day.”
He uses regular communication tools such as a weekly, public-facing newsletter – the O.W.L. (Our Weekly Letter) – and an internal newsletter for staff – the H.O.O.T. (Happenings for Our Outstanding Team) – to keep all members of the Craven Early College High School (CECHS) family informed and engaged.
Artis also places importance on personal relationships with both students and staff. Upon taking on the principalship in 2022, he made it a priority to learn every student’s name and took a yearbook home to study.
Rick Stout, former interim superintendent for Craven County Schools, said this is just one way Artis has been able to build a culture of belonging and trust at Craven Early College.
“While his accomplishments are numerous, what truly sets Dr. Artis apart is his passion for education, for his students and for the future of North Carolina's schools,” Stout wrote in a recommendation latter for Artis’ Principal of the Year application. “His energy, compassion and vision exemplify the very best in educational leadership.”
During Artis’ four years at the helm of CECHS, the school has exceeded growth and maintained an A performance grade, including history-making performance on the end-of-course tests for Biology, English II and Math III.
Artis has also participated in the North Carolina Principals and Assistant Principals Association’s Distinguished Leadership in Practice program, is actively involved in RTI International’s Early College Network and completed the ISTE+ASCD Instructional Leaders Certification this year.