The Principal's Office



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My name is Eric J. Puryear, Sr. and I am beginning my third year as the principal of Hickory Career and Arts Magnet High School in Hickory, NC. Our entire staff is excited to begin the 2021 - 2022 school year back with each and everyone of our students. We have missed you and we can't wait to see each of you again.  

I am no stranger to education as this will be my 13th year working in public schools. My previous positions as the assistant principal at R.J. Reynolds High School in Winston-Salem and the assistant principal at Hickory High School have well positioned me to be successful at HCAM.

 When I received the call to return to Hickory Public Schools as principal of Hickory Career and Arts Magnet from our former superintendent, Dr. Robbie Adell, it was like a dream come true. I personally felt like it was a calling for me to come to Hickory. It is truly a blessing to have this opportunity to continue helping students excel and unlocking potential that they never knew they had.

I have worked with students from all walks of life since my graduation from college at North Carolina Central University. I have obtained my MBA from Southwest Baptist University, my administrative license from North Carolina A and T, and I have worked in many capacities; a college football coach, high school head coach, teacher, assistant principal and now principal, and nothing gives me more pleasure than the opportunity to help young men and women accomplish all of the goals that they have set forward.

I decided long ago that I would try my best to be a servant leader. I am a fervent worker in my church, a diligent husband and father, and I try to lead by example and empower my staff to be leaders in the building. I am an avid educator and a lifelong learner and I look forward to working at HCAM for this upcoming school year, with the students, staff and all stakeholders that are involved in the learning process.


Feel free to contact me or the school at anytime. We would love for you to see what is happening at HCAM.  

HCAM Office: 828-328-6738
[email protected]