"I was honored to be able to attend the awards ceremony for principal of the year and supervisor of the year to support Dr. Chris Hampton and Mrs. Vicki Johnston," said Dr. Jeff Moorhouse, Kingsport City Schools Superintendent. "I am so grateful for their service to Kingsport City Schools. Kingsport was the only district to have two finalists. The cherry was put on top when we learned Dr. Hampton was selected as principal of the year. Certainly well deserved and is a testament to the great work that has been going on at Dobyns-Bennett for several years." For 10 years, Dr. Hampton has served as the principal of Dobyns-Bennett. Before becoming principal at D-B, Dr. Hampton served as a special education teacher, school counselor, assistant principal, and secondary curriculum coordinator.  He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education from East Tennessee State University (ETSU), a Master’s degree in Counseling from ETSU, and a Doctorate degree in Educational Policy and Leadership Analysis from ETSU. Dr. Hampton grew up in Erwin, TN and has stated his early life was full of challenges. His earliest recollections of school were of kind and caring teachers who exposed him to a world of hope and possibilities. Over time, his experiences at school, relationships with teachers, and dreams of a brighter future proved invaluable to him understanding the importance of education, how it could change his life, and the lives of those around him.

He had many teachers who encouraged him through his formative years and Dr. Hampton knew public education was his calling by the time he reached high school.  He was inspired to pursue the field of Special Education by a family member.  He later discovered his life’s mission and passion, serving at-risk students like himself, through the Upward Bound program at ETSU. This experience led to a Master’s Degree in Counseling. He went on to serve students and his community in different capacities before becoming the principal of D-B.

Dr. Hampton’s mission is to, "Meet every student where they are, and to support them in maximizing their potential for success, through high-quality learning experiences and relationships." He has stated his greatest joys and most significant accomplishments come when, "Students overcome adverse challenges and excel beyond where they ever dreamed they could."