SUNBURY, NC (T. S. Cooper Elementary School) — For a few moments, Dr. Chante Jordan sat quietly, taking in the crowd before her. Family members, lifelong friends, colleagues, educators, students, elected officials, and community leaders had gathered to witness a moment years in the making. Then with a smile, she stated, “I cannot express how happy I am to be here in this moment, but to also be able to share it with each of you.”
Those opening words captured the spirit of an evening that was about much more than a ceremonial oath; it was the story of a Gates County native returning to lead the very school system that shaped her life.
During a special meeting of the Gates County Board of Education, Chairman Leslie Byrum administered the oath of office, officially swearing Dr. Jordan in as Interim Superintendent of Gates County Schools. The ceremony followed the Board’s recent appointment of Dr. Jordan after accepting the resignation of Superintendent Dr. Barry Williams, expressing confidence that she will provide stable, student-centered leadership during this important transition.
For Gates County Community Partnership, the evening carried special significance. Dr. Jordan serves as its President, helping transform the nonprofit into one of the county’s leading advocates for educational opportunity and youth development. Under her leadership, the organization has worked to expand college readiness, STEM education, mentoring, mental health initiatives, scholarship opportunities, and community engagement, positively impacting hundreds of students and families.
Those who know Dr. Jordan understand that education has never been just a profession, it has been her calling.
A proud graduate of Gates County Schools, she has spent more than two decades serving in a variety of leadership roles, most recently as Director of Human Resources in Gates County Schools. In 2025, she earned a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from East Carolina University, further preparing herself for opportunities to lead educational systems while remaining deeply committed to the community that raised her.
Standing before the audience, Dr. Jordan reflected on what it meant to return home in this new capacity.
“This moment is especially meaningful because Gates County Schools is not simply where I work. It’s home. It is the community that helped shape who I am today. It is where I learned the value of hard work, service, faith, and perseverance. To be entrusted with leading the very school district that invested in me as a child is one of the greatest honors of my life.”
Throughout her remarks, Dr. Jordan repeatedly shifted the focus away from herself and toward the people who make education possible. She praised teachers, principals, instructional assistants, bus drivers, child nutrition workers, custodians, central office staff, and every employee who serves Gates County Schools each day.
“Great schools are built by great people,” she said, thanking employees for their dedication and commitment to students.
She also spoke directly to students, promising that every decision made under her leadership would remain centered on their success, well-being, and future. To parents and families, she pledged transparency, collaboration, and stronger partnerships between home and school.
The emotional high point of the evening came as Dr. Jordan thanked her parents, family, friends, mentors, and colleagues. She credited them with instilling the values that have guided both her personal life and professional career: integrity, perseverance, humility, and service.
She said those values will continue to guide her leadership.
Looking ahead, Dr. Jordan painted an optimistic vision for Gates County Schools, one built on academic excellence, empowered employees, meaningful community partnerships, and opportunities that prepare every student for success beyond graduation.
“Leadership is never about one person. It’s about bringing people together around a common purpose. My commitment is to lead by listening, to serve with humility, to make decisions with integrity, and to always keep students at the center of our work.”
She concluded by inviting the community to remain engaged in the work ahead, encouraging residents to attend Board of Education meetings and continue supporting the school district.
“I believe in Gates County Schools,” she declared. “I believe in our educators, our students, our families, and what we can accomplish when we work together.”
Benjamin C. Saunders, Jr., Vice President of Gates County Community Partnership, said Dr. Jordan’s appointment is a source of tremendous pride for the organization and for Gates County.
“Dr. Jordan has always believed that education changes lives, and she has spent her career proving it through action. Whether serving Gates County Schools or leading Gates County Community Partnership, she has consistently placed students first and challenged all of us to think bigger about what is possible for our community. Her appointment as Interim Superintendent is both well-deserved and historic, and we have every confidence that her leadership, vision, and heart for service will strengthen Gates County Schools and inspire the next generation of students. We congratulate her on this incredible achievement and look forward to continuing our partnership in support of the children of Gates County.”
For many in attendance, the ceremony was not simply the installation of a new superintendent, it was the celebration of a hometown daughter whose journey has come full circle.
The little girl who once walked the halls of Gates County Schools now returns to lead it.
And if the warmth inside the room was any indication, the community believes its next chapter is in capable hands.