Graning earned her bachelor’s degree in English at North Carolina State University and her master of arts in teaching at Johns Hopkins University. She received a post masters in leadership from Western Carolina University. She began her career in education as a Teach for America member and has served as assistant principal at Tuscola High School, Scotts Creek Elementary School and Smoky Mountain High School.  She and her husband are both residents of Jackson County and have two children who attend Fairview Elementary.

“I am pleased to welcome Evelyn Graning to the principalship at Smoky Mountain High School. She brings a wealth of knowledge to the role, and has done an excellent job as the assistant principal of Smoky Mountain High,” Elliott said. 

Graning will transition to her new role June 15, 2018.