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Education

• Ed.D., Educational Leadership, Mississippi College
• Ed.S., Educational Leadership, Mississippi College
• M.Ed., Mathematics, Mississippi College
• B.S., Mathematics, Belhaven College

With over 30 years in education, Dr. J. Clay Norton has served as a teacher, coach, athletic administrator, and adjunct professor. Beginning his educational career in 1994 as a mathematics teacher and coach, his leadership is grounded in servant leadership, integrity, and practical wisdom. A frequent facilitator of SLLA workshops, Dr. Norton prepares aspiring school leaders for both certification and effective practice. He is also the author of The Book Chamber, a leadership blog exploring character, humility, and people-first leadership.

Publications

• Norton, C. (2023). Yes Lord. Let there be room! In: Prepare him room: Advent devotional guide (pp. 14-15). Morrison Heights.

• Norton, C. (2022). An exact moment in time. In: Let earth receive her king: A daily devotional for advent (pp. 34-35). Morrison Heights.

• Norton, C.  (2014, July 3). Using plyometrics for basketball preseason conditioning. NFHS.org.      

• Norton, C.  (2010). Can you and your students BUYA? SEEN (Southeast Education Network), 12(2), 46.

Certificates

• Mississippi Educator License
• National Board-Certified Teacher – Mathematics
• School Leaders Licensure Assessment (SLLA) Endorsement

Coaching

Dr. Norton’s contributions to athletics as a coach have also earned widespread state recognition, including:

• Mississippi Association of Coaches North All-Star Golf Coach (2024)
• Head Coach, MS/AL All-Star Basketball Game (2017)
• Mississippi Association of Coaches Athletic Director of the Year(2016)
• Assistant Coach, MS/AL All-Star Basketball Game (2016)
• Mississippi Association of Coaches North All-Star Basketball Coach(2008)
• State 5A Basketball Championship Finalist, Forest Hill High School (2006)

Presentations and Public Speaking

• Leadership and Character: "Leave your mark. Characteristics of a pencil," "As a leader, what’s my job?," and "The things I wished I had learned in leadership sooner."
• Reflective Growth: "How heavy is what you hold?," "How do we fill the jar of our life?," and "I choose to stand. What do you stand for?"
• Ethical Leadership and Influence: "Avoiding destructive leadership conversations," "Masked sincerity," and "Don’t be a PIAS leader."
• Time and Prioritization: "The cost of your time in perspective" and "Crunch time."
• Educational Operations and Policy: "Understanding Title IX," "The funding of athletics… or the lack of?," and "MHSAA security plan for high school athletics."
• Research-Based Practice: "Factors affecting performance levels of risk management behaviors of Mississippi high school athletic directors."

Personal Statement/Vision

As an educational leader, I am committed to shaping environments where trust, integrity, and purpose guide every decision. My vision is to develop and inspire leaders who prioritize people over position, who lead not by authority but by influence rooted in character, humility, and faith. I believe that leadership is not measured by urgency or control, but by the ability to listen, reflect, and act with wisdom and grace. Through teaching, mentoring, and modeling Christ-centered leadership, I seek to cultivate cultures of accountability, compassion, and continuous growth. In all I do. I aim to leave a legacy of intentional leadership that honors both the calling of education and the hearts of those we serve.

Hobbies and Interests

I am a husband, dad, avid reader, leadership thinker, Sunday School teacher, and educator. I like playing golf, cooking, yard work, Christian studies, trivia, drinking coffee, and traveling.