My early years were shaped by work on the family farm.  I vividly remember getting off the school bus and doing chores with my three older siblings.  By the time I entered high school, the family farm had sold.   However, my parents still expected me to have a job and work hard.  Through jobs at the local grocery store or bread factory, my high school years passed quickly.  The August after I graduated, I decided I should go to college.   Although I knew very little about higher education, I packed my car and moved to Springfield, Missouri to attend Evangel University.   My sister had attended there for a few semesters and to an 18-year-old kid, that makes perfect sense that I should go there. Fast forward a few years, I graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in English Education.   I was the first in my family to graduate with a college degree. 

Although I had the degree, I could not find a job as a teacher.   At that time, teaching jobs we scarce.   Therefore, I worked other jobs and substituted as often as possible. Eventually, I was given the opportunity to be a high school English teacher at Owasso High School.   OHS provided with great colleagues, administrators, students, and much needed experience.  Within a few years, I became the proud father of baby boy and twin girls.   With three kids under the age of two, I was a teacher by day, alternative school director by night, and bus driver extraordinaire.  Although I did not have time to breathe, I started class to obtain my Master of Educational Leadership.   Upon completion, I served as assistant principal, principal, and superintendent.  After 10 years as Crooked Oak Superintendent, I still love this place and feel like we have just begun to scratch the surface of realizing our potential.  I plan to be a RUF-NEX for the rest of my career. 

My strengths and values guide me.  I genuinely enjoy students and firmly believe my work has a positive influence on the trajectory of a student’s life.  Furthermore, I believe we are put on earth to serve others.  Much like those administrators and colleagues poured into my life as a first-year teacher, I want to give back to teachers, students, and community members like I have been blessed.

 After twenty plus years as an educator, I can say without reservation that I am blessed to be a part of such a tremendous profession.