David Broyles | The News

Dr. Travis L. Reeves speaks to a a crowded media center room at Surry Central High School as he was named new Surry County Schools’ superintendent Thursday evening at a special meeting of the board of education.

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DOBSON — The Surry County Board of Education announced its choice of new school superintendent to a packed media center room at Surry Central High School Thursday evening in a special meeting.

The board unanimously voted to appoint Dr. Travis L. Reeves superintendent effective Jan. 1. He will fill the position being vacated by Dr. Ashley Hinson, who will be retiring from the post. Reeves presently serves as Ashe County Schools superintendent. He is a graduate of Alleghany County High School and received his undergraduate degree from Radford University.

Reeves has previously served as a coach at Mount Airy High School and a teacher at Mount Airy Junior High and Mount Airy Middle School. He has also been an assistant principal of Mount Airy Middle School and principal of Jones Intermediate School.

He also has served as principal of East Montgomery High School and principal of Easter Guilford High School. He received extensive recognition for uniting the community following a fire which destroyed Guilford High in 2007.

Reeves is married to the former Leslie Conner of Mount Airy. The couple have two children, Weatherly, age 8, and Ridge age 4.

“I can’t put into words how much this means,” said Reeves to the crowd following the announcement. “My family comes from Surry County. This is like a homecoming for us.” Reeves praised outgoing superintendent Hinson saying, his service to the school system and its students is outstanding.

Surry County Board Chairman Earlie Coe said 24 candidates were interviewed for the post. He and vice chairman Brian Gates both said Reeve’s reputation and experience helped the board reach its decision.

“His 5 years experience as a superintendent definitely helped with the decision,” said Coe. “He is well thought of as an educational leader throughout the state. He also had very good references. The people he had down were very strong on his qualifications.”

Gates said Reeves demonstrated leadership in his interviews.

“I was impressed at how he can definitely take command of a room in a respectful manner and listen to all sides,” recalled Gates. “He strikes me as a leader among leaders.”

Reach David Broyles at dbroyles@heartlandpublications.com or 719-1952.