Gregory Moore EdD ‘21, principal of Springville High School, has been named Alabama’s 2024 High School Principal of the Year, a prestigious honor recognizing his transformational leadership and character-focused approach to education. A graduate of Samford University’s Orlean Beeson School of Education, Moore attributes much of his success to the values and principles instilled during his time at the university.
“My Samford educational experience was invaluable,” Moore said. “It helped me self-assess who I was as a person and a leader. I had to be honest with myself—I couldn’t expect to lead a school of character without first becoming a better person of character myself.”
Moore’s path to becoming a school leader was unconventional. He majored in English with the intention of attending law school. However, life took an unexpected turn when he accepted a position as an English teacher and assistant basketball coach at Moody High School.
“It didn’t take long for me to realize this was my calling,” he said. “Those years as a teacher and coach showed me I was a person of impact, but I wanted to make a difference beyond my classroom and the basketball court. That’s when I decided to pursue school administration.”
Moore’s decision to enter educational leadership led to a decade of experience as an assistant principal, including eight years at Pinson Valley High School and two years at Chalkville Elementary School. His first principal role came at Springville Elementary School, where he transformed the school’s culture and climate, a success he later replicated at Springville High School.
His journey hasn’t been without challenges. A medical scare prior to becoming a principal reshaped his outlook, turning what he once considered a career into a mission.
“I began to see my work not as a job but as an assignment to help people,” Moore said. “That perspective changed everything for me.”
At Springville High, Moore’s leadership is defined by the Tiger Code, a character-driven initiative that serves as the foundation for the school’s culture. The code emphasizes four key principles: seeking truth with integrity, living generously, providing encouragement and showing respect.
“This approach is about more than academics,” Moore explained. “It’s about helping students and staff alike become the best versions of themselves. When we focus on being good people, success follows.”
Moore’s character-based philosophy extends beyond his school through his work with the Hope Institute, where he is a fellow. The institute equips educators to create positive school environments centered on integrity and character development.
“The Hope Institute has been extremely valuable to my leadership,” he said. “It has made me a better person and given me the opportunity to collaborate with other educators who share a vision for character-driven leadership. These experiences help me bring that vision to life at Springville High.”
Moore’s leadership philosophy and success in fostering a strong school culture can also be traced back to his time at Samford University. He speaks highly of the mentors and professors who guided him through his doctoral program, particularly professor Jodi Newton, who served as his dissertation chair.
“Dr. Newton will forever be my educational angel,” Moore said. “She saw something in me that I didn’t even see in myself and encouraged me every step of the way. Her influence, along with that of Dr. Jane Cobia, Dr. Kara Chism and others, shaped my approach to leadership and character education.”
His doctoral research focused on improving school culture and climate, a focus that remains central to his leadership today. Through the implementation of initiatives like the Tiger Code, Moore has demonstrated the power of character-based education to transform schools and communities.
But Moore’s success isn’t just about principles; it’s also about relationships. His ability to connect with students, staff and the larger school community has been a hallmark of his tenure at Springville High. He credits much of this to the leadership lessons he learned at Samford.
“Samford helped me understand that leadership is about people,” Moore said. “It’s not about titles or positions—it’s about serving others and helping them succeed.”
Moore’s impact extends beyond Springville High. As an award-winning principal, he is increasingly sought after as a speaker and mentor, sharing his experiences and insights with educators across the state. His goal is to inspire other schools to adopt character initiatives that can serve as a foundation for success.
“I believe every school can benefit from a character-driven approach,” he said. “It’s not just about improving test scores or graduation rates—it’s about creating a culture where students and staff can thrive.”
Looking ahead, Moore is contemplating what the future holds for him after 25 years in education. Having completed the Alabama Superintendent’s Academy, he sees the possibility of expanding his impact at the district level. For current and future Samford education students, Moore offers simple yet profound advice: focus on character and relationships.
“Self-assess where you are in your character and educational journey,” he said. “Make sure your heart is in the right place and focus on people more than success. When you prioritize relationships and integrity, everything else will follow.”
As Alabama’s 2024 High School Principal of the Year, Moore exemplifies the transformative power of character-driven leadership. His story is a testament to the enduring impact of a Samford education and a reminder that true leadership begins with a commitment to serve others, prioritizing people over policy.
Moore’s work also highlights the vital role of Orlean Beeson School of Education in shaping leaders who prioritize character. The school’s character initiatives emphasize the integration of ethical principles into education, equipping students and alumni with the tools to foster positive, impactful environments.
This mission reflects the broader values celebrated in The Wall Street Journal’s 2025 rankings, where Samford was named #2 in the nation for character development. The recognition underscores the university’s commitment to producing graduates like Moore—leaders who not only excel in their professions but also inspire others to live with integrity and purpose.
