Dr. Elford Rawls-Dill is an accomplished educational leader with more than twenty years of experience in public education, district administration, and higher education instruction. His career reflects a deep commitment to strengthening instructional systems, improving organizational effectiveness, and supporting equitable educational opportunities for students

and staff. Dr. Rawls-Dill has served in a variety of leadership roles across New Jersey school districts and higher education institutions, combining expertise in curriculum and instruction, personnel administration, school leadership, and professional development.

Dr. Rawls-Dill currently serves as the Director of Personnel for the Matawan-Aberdeen Regional School District in Monmouth County, New Jersey, a position he has held since 2024. In this role, he oversees the district’s human resources operations and personnel
management systems to ensure the effective recruitment, support, and retention of high-quality staff. As Director of Personnel, he manages district-wide hiring processes for both certified and non-certified staff, ensuring compliance with the New Jersey Department of Education certification requirements and district staffing needs.

In his leadership capacity, Dr. Rawls-Dill works closely with the Superintendent, Board of Education, school administrators, and union representatives to support employee relations and ensure the fair and consistent implementation of district personnel policies. His responsibilities include supervising hiring and onboarding procedures, coordinating background checks, and certification verification, and maintaining compliance with state and federal employment regulations such as Title IX, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Dr. Rawls-Dill also oversees the administration of employee leave processes, including medical leave, family leave, and personal leave, ensuring that staff members receive appropriate support while maintaining accurate personnel documentation and adherence to regulatory guidelines. In addition, he provides guidance to school leaders on personnel matters such as employee evaluations, disciplinary procedures, workplace investigations, and the implementation of policies that support a healthy and respectful workplace environment. His work emphasizes building strong systems that support staff effectiveness while promoting transparency, professionalism, and organizational accountability.

Prior to assuming the role of Director of Personnel, Dr. Rawls-Dill served as the Director of Curriculum and Instruction for the Matawan-Aberdeen Regional School District (2017–2024), where he directed district-wide curriculum, instruction, and assessment initiatives for grades six through twelve. In this role, he supervised principals, vice principals, and instructional supervisors while coordinating professional development programs designed to strengthen instructional practice and improve student achievement. He also played a key role in implementing the New Jersey Quality Single Accountability Continuum (NJQSAC) protocols in the area of curriculum and instruction and spearheaded district initiatives focused on equity and inclusive educational practices.

In addition to his district leadership roles, Dr. Rawls-Dill serves as an Adjunct Professor at Monmouth University, Montclair State University, and Union College of Union County, New Jersey, where he teaches courses in educational leadership and curriculum development. Through his work in higher education, he prepares aspiring educators and administrators by providing instruction on leadership theory, curriculum design, and effective school improvement strategies. His teaching emphasizes reflective practice, adaptive leadership, and the development of educators who are prepared to meet the evolving needs of diverse students.
populations.

Earlier in his career, Dr. Rawls-Dill served in a number of leadership positions including principal, curriculum director, educational consultant, and mentor. As Director of Curriculum and Instruction for Asbury Park Public Schools, he coordinated district instructional programs including bilingual education, special education, gifted and talented programs, and core academic areas. During his tenure, he led curriculum revisions aligned with the Common Core State Standards and supported school improvement initiatives associated with the New Jersey Regional Achievement Centers (RAC) for Priority and Focus schools.

Dr. Rawls-Dill also served as Principal of Titusville Academy, where he developed instructional programs tailored to students with special needs and implemented family engagement initiatives designed to strengthen connections between the school and the community. Earlier leadership roles include serving as an Elementary Principal in Long Branch Public Schools, where he led a school community of approximately 900 students and more than 100 staff members, and as Principal of the High School Leadership Academy in Long Branch, where he implemented academic support programs designed to improve graduation rates and increase college and career readiness among at-risk student populations.

In addition to his administrative leadership, Dr. Rawls-Dill contributes to the development of future educational leaders through mentoring. As a Mentor with New Jersey Leader to Leader, he supports aspiring administrators by providing professional guidance, leadership development opportunities, and practical insight into school and district leadership.

Throughout his career, Dr. Rawls-Dill has been recognized for innovative work in curriculum design and instructional improvement. He authored and facilitated a pioneering high school course titled “Race, Gender, and Ethnicity,” which became one of the most popular electives at the school where it was introduced and helped promote deeper cultural awareness among students. He also designed and implemented a comprehensive school improvement model that resulted in an 85 percent increase in the number of students meeting standards on New Jersey statewide assessments. His work in curriculum transformation and instructional innovation has been presented at national conferences, including the National Alliance of
Black School Educators (NABSE) conference.

Dr. Rawls-Dill’s scholarship and professional interests focus on mentorship, equity, and culturally responsive leadership. His doctoral dissertation, completed at Northcentral University, examined the role of mentorship in supporting at-risk African American males, reflecting his long-standing commitment to improving educational access and success for historically marginalized students. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership, a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Administration from Monmouth University, and a Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature from New Jersey City University. Dr. Rawls-Dill also holds New Jersey certifications as a Chief School Administrator, Principal, and Teacher of English (Grades 6–12).

Beyond his professional work in schools and universities, Dr. Rawls-Dill is deeply engaged in
community service and youth development. He is an active member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and has been honored with the NAACP Lifetime Achievement Award for Education and Community Service. He has also served as a basketball head coach, assistant varsity football coach, and advisor to an African American Culture Club, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to mentoring young people both inside and outside of the classroom.

Dr. Rawls-Dill continues to advocate for strong educational systems that support both students and educators. His leadership is grounded in collaboration, equity, and the belief that effective schools are built through thoughtful leadership, strategic personnel management, and high-quality instruction.

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