Asheboro hires new principal with ties to high school

ASHEBORO – Dr. Ryan Moody will start his job as the new principal of Asheboro High School in mid-July.

He should know his way around.

Moody’s hiring was announced last week. He comes after serving as principal of Morehead High School in Eden for four years.

Moody replaces Dr. Penny Crooks, who has been with the city school system since 2003 and held the title of principal at the high school since 2019. She’s taking a position in the central office.

Moody spent part of his youth in Asheboro schools. His mother, Nancy Moody, was an administrator for the city schools, and his father, David Moody, also worked in the system.

Moody graduated from The Citadel in 2005 and later earned degrees from Western Carolina and High Point.

Moody’s background also includes several stops in Guilford County Schools. He taught marketing for six years at Ragsdale High School, where he was an assistant football and assistant track and field coach. He held the title of assistant principal at Hairston Middle School and Grimsley High School, which is his alma mater.

Moody is married and has four children.

From Eden, words of congratulations for Moody poured in from officials with Rockingham County Schools.

“We appreciate your leadership, support and love for our students, staff and community at Morehead High School,” wrote Sonja Parks, assistant superintendent for operations and logistics.

Cindy Corcoran and Stephanie Ellis, both in Rockingham County Schools leadership roles, also expressed appreciation for Moody’s service to the high school.

Moody’s accomplishments with Morehead include increased student attendance and increased graduation rates, according to information from Asheboro City Schools.

By Bob Sutton