Willis ISD Announces Selection of a New Principal for High School

By Staff Writer

WILLIS, Texas — The Willis ISD Board of Trustees has appointed veteran educator Tiffany Mathews as the new principal of Willis High School, marking the return of a leader credited with driving major academic gains during her previous service in the district.

Mathews is well known within Willis ISD, having served as principal of Brabham Middle School from 2016 to 2019. Under her leadership, the campus became the first secondary school in the district to earn TEA distinction designations, securing four distinctions in 2018 and two in 2019. District officials noted that her earlier success played a significant role in her selection to lead the high school.

Before rejoining Willis ISD, Mathews served as principal of Stewart Creek Elementary in Montgomery ISD. In her first year, she guided the school from a “B” to an “A” rating, earning five of six possible TEA distinctions—a rapid improvement that district leaders described as evidence of her instructional expertise.

Her administrative background also includes assistant principal roles at

• Smith Elementary in Magnolia ISD, and
• The Woodlands College Park High School in Conroe ISD, giving her leadership experience across both elementary and secondary levels.

Mathews holds multiple advanced degrees, including:

• Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Lamar University
• Master of Business Administration from the University of South Alabama
• Bachelor of Science in Finance from Louisiana State University

District officials said her academic preparation, combined with her leadership record, positions her well to guide Willis High School’s continued growth.

In a statement, Mathews expressed her enthusiasm for returning to the district:

“I am incredibly honored and excited to return to Wildkat Nation as the new principal of Willis High School. Willis has always held a special place in my heart, and I look forward to once again being part of this amazing community.”

Superintendent Dr. Kimberley James praised the appointment, saying:

“Mrs. Mathews is a proven instructional leader who understands the importance of building strong relationships while maintaining a relentless focus on student success. Her previous impact in Willis ISD, combined with her leadership experience across the region, makes her exceptionally well‑positioned to lead Willis High School and continue building on the strong traditions of Wildkat Nation.”