Dr. Aron Gabriel

Dr. Aron Gabriel is a dedicated educational leader with a passion for student success, institutional growth, and community engagement. With nearly three decades of experience in K-12 service and leadership, he has successfully guided organizations through transformational change, ensuring that students have access to high-quality educational opportunities that prepare them for future success. Dr. Gabriel believes in the power of education to change life trajectories and believes that everyone has God-given attributes that can make their communities better. 

As Superintendent of Newton-Conover City Schools, Dr. Gabriel leads one of the most diverse school districts in North Carolina (6th most diverse according to Niche.com). He has been a part of significant initiatives, including a $72 million-dollar high school construction and renovation project, student-focused support programs, community engagement activities, and the expansion of workforce development programs. During his tenure, the district maintained high academic performance, boasted high graduation rates, developed innovative teacher licensure pathways, and fostered partnerships to enhance student opportunities. His experience also includes roles as an associate superintendent, high school and alternative school principal, teacher, and coach, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to education at multiple levels. 

As superintendent of Newton-Conover City Schools, Dr. Gabriel collaborated with Catawba Valley Community College (CVCC) to form/maintain mutually beneficial partnerships. Dr. Gabriel worked closely with CVCC President, Dr. Garrett Hinshaw, to align efforts for the betterment of both students and the Catawba Valley region as a whole. A wide variety of College and Career Pathway courses were made available for students either for credential attainment or transferable college credit. Articulation agreements have been instituted that increased high school student access to course and program offerings at CVCC. 

A recognized leader in North Carolina, Dr. Gabriel was named the 2024-2025 Northwest Region Superintendent of the Year and was a State Superintendent of the Year finalist. He holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Western Carolina University and is actively involved in professional organizations focused on educational excellence. Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Gabriel is deeply committed to community service, working with organizations like Hearts and Hope Inc., a nonprofit supporting family with children facing significant health challenges. His family also serves the community by assisting with the feeding of the homeless population in Newton multiple times each year and has done so for the past decade. He is also a middle school youth Sunday School teacher at Cornerstone Church. 

A former collegiate basketball player, Aron still holds the Montreat College Men’s Basketball school record for most 3-point field goals made in a game (11). He was inducted into the Montreat College Athletic Hall of Fame in 2002. Dr. Gabriel has been married to his wife of 24 years, Mandy, and has two sons, Trysten and Layton. 

Dr. Jeremy Gibbs

Dr. Jeremy Gibbs, an accomplished leader dedicated to advancing student success across both PK–12 and higher education, has made a significant impact on education in North Carolina. Most recently, as Deputy State Superintendent of Public Instruction for the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI), he supported more than 1.5 million students across nearly 2,500 schools and 115 local school districts statewide. He also brings a unique perspective on the intersection of PK–12 education, post-secondary education, workforce development, strategic partnerships, and student engagement at the higher education level—insight informed by his service as vice-chair of the Blue Ridge Community College Board of Trustees and as an adjunct faculty member in educational leadership at Western Carolina University. He has a proven track record of bridging the gap between theory and practice while fostering a team culture of service, innovation, and excellence. 

As Deputy State Superintendent, Dr. Gibbs directed all district and school support services at NCDPI, overseeing 14 senior-level direct reports and hundreds of employees. He led complex statewide initiatives, managed large-scale budgets, administered nearly $1 billion in federal and state grants annually, and directed key operational and programmatic areas, including school improvement, strategic planning, transformation initiatives, regional support, the Center for Safer Schools, facilities, transportation, school nutrition, driver education, and the Office of Federal Programs. Prior to this statewide role, he served as the Director of the Office of Regional Support Services for the Western Region, providing direct leadership support to 18 local school districts in Northwestern and Western North Carolina. 

Before joining NCDPI, Dr. Gibbs served as the Chief Academic Officer for Transylvania County Schools, where he led all instructional programs and student services. His prior roles in the district included Director of Human Resources and high school principal. Earlier in his career, Dr. Gibbs was an assistant principal and instrumental music teacher in the Wake County Public School System, following his start as a classroom teacher in Pitt County.

He holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from East Carolina University, a Master of School Administration from NC State University, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Western Carolina University. He is a proud NC Teaching Fellow and NC Principal Fellow. 

Dr. Gibbs and his wife, Elizabeth, an elementary school music teacher, have two children currently attending public schools. A native North Carolinian, Dr. Gibbs was born and raised in Henderson County, with deep family roots in Western North Carolina. He is an active leader in his church, First United Methodist Church of Brevard, and contributes to his community through volunteer work, board service, and nonprofit leadership. 

Dr. Robin Ross

Dr. Ross brings nearly 20 years of service to CVCC, where she has held a variety of leadership roles, most recently serving as Vice President for K64 and Talent Development. In this role, she has led transformative initiatives connecting education, business, and government to prepare a future-ready workforce. From advancing apprenticeship and work-based learning opportunities to launching student-focused innovations like the SOAR Center, NC Reconnect, and Guided Pathways, Dr. Ross has helped shape the college's mission of access, equity, and excellence.

She holds an Associate in Applied Science from Catawba Valley Community College, a Bachelor of Science in Leisure System Studies from East Carolina University, a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership from Mountain State University, and a Doctorate in Adult and Community College Education from NC State University.

In addition to serving and supporting her campus, Dr. Ross is also a familiar face in the community and serves on numerous local and state boards, including the Western Piedmont Council of Governments, Hickory YMCA, and the Catawba Valley Rotary Club. Her leadership has also extended statewide through roles in the NC Community College Leadership program and various healthcare education organizations.

Born in Hickory and now living in Statesville, NC, Dr. Ross enjoys spending her free time outdoors hiking, kayaking, and gardening—and most especially, making memories with her children and grandchildren.