Where are you from?
I am originally from rural West Virginia, about three hours from Pittsburgh. I currently live in Sewickley with my wife, Lacey, our twin toddlers, Spencer and Scarlett, and our two dogs Roxie and Beauford.
What school district were you working in before North Allegheny? How long have you worked in education?
This is my 22nd year working in education. Most recently I worked at Chartiers Valley High School as an assistant principal starting in 2018-19. Prior to CV, I was the assistant principal and athletic director at Wirt County High School (WV) for three years and an assistant principal at Weir High School (WV) for two years.
What made you want to work at NA?
The district’s commitment to excellence attracted me to this position. I live my life in pursuit of constant improvement, and I am excited to join a team and community with the same mindset.
What made you decide to enter education?
I was inspired to become a teacher by my high school business teacher, Mrs. Shaver. She was my FBLA advisor, and she encouraged me to take on leadership roles and to enter public speaking competitions. Many of the skills and traits I depend on as a school administrator were initially developed under her guidance.
Were you a teacher before you were an assistant principal?
I taught business education for 10 years at my alma mater, Wirt County High School. Once again, Mrs. Shaver deserves a lot of credit! In addition to being my inspiration, she worked an extra year before retiring to ensure the position was available when I graduated from college.
Where did you go to college?
I earned my bachelor’s degree from Glenville State College (WV) and my master’s degree from Salem International University (WV).
What is something that most people wouldn’t guess about you?
I have been to 75 Dave Matthews Band concerts.
If you weren’t in education, what career field would you like to be in?
I nearly pursued a degree in broadcast journalism. Had I taken that path, my goal would have been to become a SportsCenter anchor or a play-by-play sports commentator.
What do you do outside of work for fun?
I enjoy the outdoors and like to go hiking, camping, hunting, and fishing. I’m also a huge WVU sports fan, although that hasn’t been as fun in recent years.
What’s your favorite memory from your high school years?
Winning a sectional championship in basketball.
How tall are you, exactly? Did you have an athletic career in high school or college?
I am 6’4 ¾” – exactly. I played high school basketball, and I practiced Division II college basketball. (That means I was on the team but only got in when the student section chanted my name in blowouts.)
If you could be on vacation anywhere in the world right now, where would it be?
I don’t discriminate against vacation locations. Camping in a national park or visiting an under-commercialized beach town are my top choices, but I would be happy anywhere if my family were with me.
How long do you think you would survive in a zombie apocalypse?
I’m not much of a zombie show guy, so I might not stand a chance. However, I am from West Virginia, and my dad owns a wildlife trapping supplies business, so it could go either way.
Any advice for NASH students?
Take care of yourself and take care of each other. Surround yourself with people who bring out the best in you and do your best to return the favor. Smile and laugh as often as possible. Challenge yourself to get a little bit better every day but forgive yourself when you come up short. Life is a series of decisions. Try to make more good ones than bad ones.
