Kevin Baxter, Vice Chancellor & Chief Campus Officer, North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics – Morganton

In an interview with Invest:, Kevin Baxter, vice chancellor and chief campus officer at North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics, discussed the Morganton campus’ role in expanding educational opportunity, supporting Burke County’s economy, and preparing students for emerging industries. As NCSSM continues building partnerships across western North Carolina, Baxter said, “We want to stay hungry, not just for our students and our community, but also for the region.”

What does being ranked the No. 1 public high school in the United States mean for NCSSM, and how does it shape your goals for the Morganton campus?

We are blessed to receive this recognition three out of the last four years as the No. 1 public high school in America. It recognizes our staff, students, and faculty, but it also reflects North Carolina’s investment in an institution unlike any other. We were the first school of this kind created in the world, and that says a great deal about the state’s commitment to educational innovation.

The Morganton campus grew from that same vision. When it opened in 2022, it extended the legacy and impact of our Durham campus to western North Carolina. We are proud to share in that recognition while continuing to innovate every day.

What impact has the Morganton campus had on Burke County and western North Carolina?

I was the first employee for NCSSM in Burke County, hired to lead the design and visioning of the campus. From the beginning, civic leaders, business leaders, educators, and economic development organizations helped shape what this campus would become.

Despite challenges like the pandemic and a major natural disaster, we have seen tremendous collaboration and impact. We have created more than 100 full-time positions and are approaching 150, including faculty, administrators, and staff.

The campus also brought significant capital investment during construction, and since welcoming students in 2022, we have seen measurable benefits for downtown Morganton. Our residential students regularly walk or bike downtown, and families visiting for performances, athletic events, move-in, and commencement stay, dine, and shop there. Occupancy, spending, and business growth all reflect that activity.

How is NCSSM preparing students for advanced manufacturing, technology, life sciences, and other growing industries?

During our planning process, we worked with the UNC School of Government to identify emerging industries across the region. That helped us develop curricula aligned with those opportunities.

One example is data science. In 2017, it was not discussed the way it is today, but we recognized its importance across industries. We developed a required data science course for every student at the Morganton campus based on UC Berkeley’s Data 8 curriculum. It is unique within our institution and gives students a foundation before they choose whether to pursue areas such as fintech, advanced manufacturing, or other fields.

How is NCSSM adapting to artificial intelligence and an AI-driven future?

We were the first high school to create a program for artificial intelligence, doing so before AI became part of the mainstream conversation. An alumnus who built a successful fintech company invested in the school to help students explore AI and machine learning early in their education.

Because our high school is part of the UNC System rather than the Department of Public Instruction, we have the flexibility to introduce new courses, topics, and faculty expertise as technologies emerge. That allows us to respond quickly to changes in the workforce.

We have also benefited from strong support from business, industry, and philanthropy. On the Morganton campus alone, we have raised more than $14 million based on the promise of what this campus could become. Those partnerships connect our students and faculty with industry while strengthening the region’s innovation ecosystem.

How are you balancing technical skills with communication, critical thinking, and leadership development?

We approach that from multiple directions because our students have different interests.

Many students participate in robotics, where they are responsible not only for programming but also for presentations, technical papers, and communicating their work to judges from industry and academia. That develops technical and professional skills together.

We also rely heavily on our humanities department to strengthen writing, presenting, publishing, and professional communication.

Another important component is our mentorship and research program. Most students choose to work with universities, healthcare organizations, or private companies on real-world projects. Before entering those environments, they complete coursework in professional etiquette and communication so they are prepared to contribute alongside experienced professionals.

What are your top priorities for the Morganton campus over the next three to five years?

Beyond the safety and success of our community, my biggest priority is making sure we never become a campus isolated from the region around us.

This part of North Carolina has an exceptional spirit of collaboration. When I arrived, people from business, education, local government, and community organizations all asked how they could help us succeed. That mindset has been one of the region’s greatest strengths.

My No. 1 priority is that we do not lose sight of that vision. We want to stay hungry, not just for our students and our community, but also to benefit and give back to the region. We have continued to grow despite significant challenges over the past several years, and I believe there is tremendous opportunity ahead.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

There is often a tendency in education to work independently, but collaboration has been part of this region long before NCSSM arrived.

The school does not deserve credit for creating that culture. Local school districts, community colleges, businesses, and civic leaders built it, and we have simply embraced it. We are enthusiastic participants in a community that believes regional success benefits everyone.

That collaborative spirit creates tremendous opportunities for our campus and for Burke County as a whole, and I am grateful that we get to be part of it.