About JT Moore Middle School
Leadership
Dr. Gary Hughes, Executive Principal
A true believer that he has the best job in the entire world, Dr. Gary D. Hughes is excited about the upcoming school year, his 17th at JT Moore Middle School! Dr. Hughes graduated from the University of Tennessee at Martin with a B.S. in psychology in 1988, a M.S. in clinical psychology in 1991 from Murray State University, a M.Ed. in special education (behavioral disorders) from Vanderbilt University in 2000, and an Ed. D. from Vanderbilt University in educational leadership and policy in 2009. He is a licensed Senior Psychological Examiner and therapist in clinical psychology, a licensed K-12 special education teacher, and a licensed school administrator in the state of Tennessee.
Dr. Hughes grew up on a rural farm near Bumpus Mills, Tennessee, a rural town located 90 miles from Nashville. His family instilled in him a commitment to hard work and excellence in any task undertaken. He has always loved and cared about others very deeply, and as the executive principal of JT Moore Middle School, he works tirelessly for the betterment and well-being of every child and family who comes through the doors of the school each day. It is from his daily work that he derives meaning for his life. As principal of this great neighborhood school, Dr. Hughes strives to ensure that each student has the opportunity to develop into a more well-rounded human being socially, academically, physically, and emotionally as he and the faculty and staff work towards providing a safe, stimulating, and loving environment for all of the children who call themselves Matadors.
Dr. Bryan Lowe, Assistant Principal
Assistant Principal: Bryan Lowe joined JT Moore in the summer of 2019 after serving as an Academy Principal at Maplewood High School for 3 years. Dr. Lowe is originally from Atlanta, GA but has resided in Nashville, TN since 1999. He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and a Master’s of Business Administration from Tennessee State University. He also graduated with a Master’s of Education from Trevecca University and furthered his educational studies at Bethel University. Later, he earned his Doctorate of Education from Arkansas State University in Educational Leadership. Dr. Lowe brings various experiences from Maplewood, McGavock and Antioch High Schools working with the academy model and community business partners to help provide valuable experiential learning and post-secondary opportunities for the students.
While at Maplewood High School, Dr. Lowe assisted in constructing an outdoor learning lab alongside Stansell Electric for Energy & Power students which gained district-wide recognition for business partners and teachers for their excellent work in the community and schools. Dr. Lowe continues to be involved in the community with his service as a youth football coach at the Una Recreation Park in Antioch, TN. At JT Moore, Dr. Bryan Lowe serves as an assistant principal supporting student achievement, reporting and discipline for all grade levels. Dr. Lowe provides support to both the AVID and IB Middle Years Programme curriculum and framework by eliminating barriers to the development of the whole child while creating ample opportunities for students to experience success. Dr. Lowe believes that supporting students, staff and families by fostering a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment provides a great opportunity for every student to succeed and grow.
Chase Bilyeu, Dean of Instruction
Since joining J.T. Moore in the Fall of 2020, Mr. Chase Bilyeu has loved every minute of being a part of the wonderful Matador community. After previously teaching English Language Arts in the 6th grade, Mr. Bilyeu is excited to continue serving the students of J.T. Moore as the Dean of Instruction for the 2024-2025 school year and to continue working with what he believes is the best faculty in Metro Nashville Public Schools. Furthermore, Mr. Bilyeu graduated from Middle Tennessee State University with a B.A. in English in 2013. Currently, he is attending Lipscomb University as an Ayers Leadership Fellow to earn a M.Ed. in Educational Leadership.
A true Nashville native, Mr. Bilyeu grew up around the corner from J.T. Moore and attended a few different Nashville schools that would unquestionably shape the educator he would become and the type of education that he believes every student at J.T. Moore is entitled to. Collaborating with Dr. Hughes and Dr. Lowe, he supports the implementation of curriculum schoolwide, coordinates testing and data, directs school-based professional learning, and serves as the administrator for the 7th grade. He earned his M.ED in Educational Leadership from Lipscomb University in 2025.