Wesleyan Hires New Athletic Director, John Hughes

Dear Wesleyan families,

Wesleyan Christian Academy is pleased to announce that John Hughes, current assistant principal and former athletic director at Northwest Guilford High School, will serve as Wesleyan Christian Academy’s next athletic airector, beginning June 1, 2023. 

For anyone who has been involved in Guilford County athletics over the last two decades, John Hughes’ name is a familiar one. After serving as Athletic Director at Northwest Guilford High School in Greensboro for 16 years, then as an assistant principal for four, Hughes brings an abundance of experience and wisdom to the job. 

According to Dr. David Ray, Head of School, “We could not be more excited to have John join our team to lead Wesleyan’s Athletic Department. John’s record speaks for itself. He is a talented and accomplished athletics professional, educator and administrator who possesses a passion to see young people grow in their relationship with Christ.”

As a member of the Summit Church in Oak Ridge, N.C., Hughes serves on the Men’s Leadership Team and as a small group leader for 7th grade boys. Andy Cook, Campus Pastor at The Summit | Oak Ridge, shared, “(John) is a Godly man and loves the Lord; I cannot say enough good things about the man. He would be a perfect fit for this position.”  Summit’s Pastor of Life Care, Ike Patterson, echoes Cook’s thoughts about John, adding “He strives to be a good role model for young men.“

Hughes is looking forward to pursuing his passion for athletics in a Christ-centered environment: “Outside of Wesleyan’s reputation for excellence in the classroom and on the field or court, the opportunity to focus on the “whole child” and support Wesleyan’s mission to lead students to Christ is a large part of what drew me to this position.”

Hughes added, “I’m excited to put my background and experience to use to help guide coaches and individual students on their journey. In athletics today, the perception is that we want to get everyone to the collegiate level; and some—maybe many—will. On a broader scale, I think it’s important to help each student athlete define their ‘why’ and help them reach the goals they have set for themselves and enjoy all the things that athletics can do for you.” 

Below is an overview of Hughes’ own educational journey:

1995:

  • Received B.A. in History from Duke University
  • Received Secondary Social Studies Teaching Certification

1995-2003:

  • Social Studies Teacher, Northwest Guilford High School
  • Northwest Guilford HS Coach, three (3) sports

2003-2019:

  • Athletic Director, Northwest Guilford HS
  • Served on several statewide committees with the North Carolina High School Athletics Association (NCHSAA)
  • Served on Teaching Faculty for the North Carolina Athletic Directors Association (NCADA) leadership training

2019-2020:

  • Assistant Principal, Eastern Guilford High School 

2020:

  • Received Masters of School Administration from North Carolina A&T State University 

2020-2023:

  • Assistant Principal, Northwest Guilford High School

Awards:

  • NCADA Statewide Athletic Director of Excellence (2019)
  • NCHSAA Charlie Adams Distinguished Service Award (2014)
  • Northwest High School PTSA Educator of the Year (2009)

Hughes, who is a father of three, enjoys spending time with his children and is an avid sports fan—especially when it comes to his Duke Blue Devils. A native of New Jersey who grew up just five miles from Philadelphia, Hughes also pulls for teams from the City of Brotherly Love.

Ray concluded, “We absolutely feel blessed to have John joining Wesleyan Athletics and I look forward to working together with him to see our student athletes succeed academically, spiritually and in athletics.”

In His Service,
Wesleyan Administration