Matt Dowdell- Assistant Principal

West Florence’s new assistant principal comes in the form of Matt Dowdell. Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he attended Seton Hill University for his undergraduate degree and the University of South Carolina for his Master’s. Dowdell has been working in education for eight years. This is his second year in administration, the other six spent working in special education.

Dowdell recently moved to Florence from Columbia. Considering the long commute from Columbia to Sumter High School, where he worked, the Dowdell family thought that the move to Florence would be beneficial.

As an assistant principal, Dowdell has big plans for the school. With the discipline system at West Florence being revamped, Dowdell hopes that students will be aware of the expectations that the staff and administration has for them. A long term goal for West Florence is to continue to grow in all things positive: number of teachers, number of honors and AP classes, and raising the graduation rate.

In his free time, Dowdell enjoys golfing and spending time with his family. He has two children, a five year old daughter and a 17 month old son. According to him, they will absolutely be attending West Florence High School.

When asked what he would tell the student body if given the chance, he took his time in thinking through his response.

“Little by little, a little becomes a lot,” said Dowdell.