Michael Stephens named principal of Harnett Central High School

LILLINGTON, N.C. — Harnett County Schools is pleased to announce Michael Stephens as the new principal of Harnett Central High School.

The position became available in August when current principal Catherine Long was named Middle School Director for Harnett County Schools.

Stephens brings nearly three decades of experience in education to his new role, including extensive experience as a teacher, coach, athletic director and school administrator. Stephens has served as an assistant principal at Harnett Central High School since 2022, giving him an established connection with the students, staff and community he will now lead.

His career in education began in Harnett County in 1996 as a Healthful Living teacher and coach at Coats Elementary School. He later spent 17 years at Coats-Erwin Middle School, where he served as a teacher, coach and, for seven years, athletic director. Stephens went on to serve as a teacher and coach at Princeton High School and Overhills High School before returning to Harnett Central as an assistant principal.

In addition to his administrative duties, Stephens served as Harnett Central’s athletic director from 2024 to 2026. His experience in athletics also includes two conference championships as a junior varsity basketball coach at Princeton High School.

Stephens earned a Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education from East Carolina University in 1995 and a master’s degree in Educational Administration from Grand Canyon University in 2008. He has also participated in the Advanced Leadership Institute and is a member of the North Carolina Athletic Directors Association and North Carolina Basketball Coaches Association.

Throughout his career, Stephens has maintained a focus on creating strong learning environments for both students and staff. In his biographical statement, he highlighted his passion for school improvement, including facility improvements, school modernization and finding creative ways to enhance the overall school environment. He also noted the important role athletics has played throughout his career and his commitment to supporting student-athletes.

Stephens said family is an important part of his life. Outside of school, he enjoys traveling and attending sporting events with his family, as well as playing golf when time allows.

As principal, Stephens will build upon his years of service at Harnett Central while leading the school’s continued work to provide a safe, supportive and high-quality learning environment for every student.

Please join Harnett County Schools in congratulating Michael Stephens on his new role as principal of Harnett Central High School!