Kanawha ZeBlon Chavis

Kanawha ZeBlon Chavis (1930 – 1987) was a nationally recognized innovative educator, published author, human rights activist, and NC Educational Hall of Fame inductee. He served as Principal of Bailey School and was the first principal of South Nash Elementary (later renamed Southern Nash Middle). He earned his B.S. Degree from Langston University, OK., his M.A. degree from NC Central University, and his Ed.D. from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Dr. Chavis’s innovations in education included non-graded school program, pre-school education and readiness program, curriculum modification, team teaching, the use of teacher aides, and mandated minimum number of days of attendance for promotion. He initiated the use of standardized tests in all grades.

Inducted into Hall of Fame 2004
Deceased