N.C. A&T Alumnus Named 2025 Wells Fargo N.C. Principal of the Year

EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (Aug. 26, 2025) – Jason Johnson’s nearly 30-year journey to becoming the 2025 Wells Fargo North Carolina Principal of the Year began at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University — a place that not only introduced him to higher education, but also ignited his passion for leadership, culture and service.

A 1997 graduate of what is now the Willie A. Deese College of Business and Economics, Johnson credits N.C. A&T with shaping his identity and preparing him for a life of impact.

“I had never really thought about going to college,” said Johnson. “But some friends and I went to campus for a football game for prospective students, and that visit to A&T changed everything. It introduced me to student life, a rigorous academic environment, and a place where I could take pride in being Black.”

Johnson arrived at A&T unsure of his path, but a business course quickly sparked his interest. He declared a major in office administration and immersed himself in campus life. One of his most formative experiences was a trip to Manhattan for a Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) conference, an opportunity that broadened his horizons and deepened his confidence.

“Our professors worked us hard,” he said. “Dean (Quiester) Craig did not play! But that rigor helped shape who I am today.”

It was also at A&T where Johnson first encountered the world of education. An introductory education course with a practicum at Foust Elementary School in Greensboro opened his eyes to the power of teaching. That spark would eventually lead him to pursue advanced degrees in school administration and dedicate his career to public education.

From his early days as a teacher to his current role — for the second time — as principal of Orange High School in Hillsborough, Johnson has remained committed to building leadership in others. His tenure at Orange High has been marked by academic growth, improved school performance, and a culture of collaboration. He’s also served in leadership roles across Chatham, Guilford and Orange counties in North Carolina, as well as at the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.

As the 2025 Wells Fargo Principal of the Year, Johnson represents more than 2,500 principals across the state. During the 2025-26 academic year, he will travel North Carolina as an ambassador for the profession, serve on the State Board of Education and participate in national leadership programs.

“Jason Johnson’s breadth of leadership not only as a school leader, but also in the classroom, district office and even NCDPI, speaks volumes to his talent as an educator,” State Superintendent of Public Instruction Maurice “Mo” Green said in a NCDPI announcement. “It is evident that Jason is dedicated to developing teacher leaders and fostering student success regardless of their postgraduate pursuits.”

Johnson’s leadership philosophy — “leading with love” — is deeply rooted in his upbringing. Raised by his mother, Zeathea Massiah, an immigrant from Barbados, he learned the value of hard work, cultural pride and resilience. His mother’s lessons about working twice as hard and remembering that he comes from greatness continue to guide him.