Bethany Phillis has served as a teaching assistant counselor, Area III instructor, and since 2014, as the dean of students at Governor’s School West (GSW). Bethany has been an amazing leader on the GSW campus, leadership that comes from a deep understanding of Governor’s School as a student herself. 

Bethany has overseen the teaching assistant counselors (TACs), residential issues, and discipline issues with an unparalleled combination of wisdom, patience, and compassion. She is also a phenomenal Area III teacher who expertly guides students through the complexities of the thoughtful discussions in her classes.

During the 2021 and 2022 sessions, Bethany helped navigate the complicated world of COVID by creating wonderful testing plans and communicating with efficiency and kindness with students and parents who are dealing with positive test results. Everyone on the GSW staff recognizes that Bethany is a true team player who is willing and able to help with any aspect of GSW. She believes deeply in the program, its potential, and the students and staff who represent the program each summer at GSW, as well as providing support for NC Department of Public Instruction leadership. 

Bethany also served on the board of directors for the Governor’s School Foundation (GSF) from 2014 to 2022, including serving as GSF Secretary for 7 years. During her 8 years on the GSF board, in addition to being an officer, Bethany filled multiple other leadership roles. She served as co-leader of the board’s Scholarships working group, interfacing with the NC Department of Public Instruction, parents, and students to assure that every student with demonstrated financial need was offered a scholarship to cover the cost of Governor’s School tuition. Bethany was also a leader in alumni relations, where she served as co-leader of the Board’s GS Ambassadors program, an effort aimed at engaging eager alumni by providing greater access to the board’s work in exchange for help with outreach and publicity.

For those and many other reasons, the GSF is proud to honor Bethany Phillis as a Jim Hart Governor’s School Champion Award winner for 2022.