TCR Principal Nathan Allison stands in front of band members playing the fight song as he holds his awards for BCS Principal of the Year

A long-time Buncombe County Schools educator and BCS graduate has been named 2025 Buncombe County Schools Principal of the Year. 

Principal Nathan Allison of T.C. Roberson High School was honored at a pop-up ceremony this afternoon. Mr. Allison was surprised to hear the school’s marching band playing outside the main office. When he came to investigate, he found his wife and sons, BCS Superintendent Dr. Rob Jackson, Associate Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Reed, and 2024 BCS Principal of the Year Chip Cody of Erwin High School. All were waiting to share the good news.

Dr. Jackson shakes Mr. Allison's hand as his wife and sons clap their hands in celebration“I love my job, and I’m grateful to do it with all of you,” Mr. Allison said, motioning to the teachers and students who joined the celebration. “I’m very honored to be chosen. Go Rams!”

A graduate of Owen High School, Mr. Allison has served Buncombe County Schools for nearly three decades, including 17 years at A.C. Reynolds High School as a math teacher and assistant principal. He then served as principal of Nesbitt Discovery Academy for four years, before becoming principal at Roberson in 2018. 

Students hold congratulations banner for Mr. Allison“When you see Mr. Allison in a classroom or in the hallway with students, you quickly see how much they mean to him and how much he loves T.C. Roberson High School,” shared Dr. Jackson. “We’re glad his family, students, and staff could be in on the surprise and see him receive this honor.”

Dr. Jackson talks to Mr. Allison with the Ram mascot and students surrounding him.Mr. Allison was chosen to be the Buncombe County Schools Principal of the Year by his fellow BCS principals. He’ll be formally recognized at the Board of Education meeting Oct. 3, with a special acknowledgment from the Buncombe County Schools Foundation and First Citizens Bank. He will also represent BCS for Western Region Principal of the Year.

Dr. Reed and Dr. Jackson pose with Mr. Allison and the Roberson assistant principalsView more photos from the surprise celebration from this link.