Profile

 

Job Title: Principal

 

Educational Background: After graduating from St. Mark’s Grade School and Spalding High School, I earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education and later a Master of Arts in Educational Administration from Bradley University. I earned my Certificate of Advance Study with a Superintendent’s Endorsement from Illinois State University. My experience includes work as a Junior High Instructor, High School Instructor, Department Head, Dean, Athletic Director, Head Football Coach, Elementary and Junior High School Principal, Elementary School Superintendent and K-12 Superintendent.

 

Why did you choose to become an educator? I was influenced during my high school years by several of my teachers and coaches. I thought teaching would be a great use of my talents. As I went through the teacher preparation program at Bradley, I began to develop and realize that I enjoyed working with young people and was confident in my decision. I’ve now been an educator for 37 years.

 

What attracted you to Concordia? As a lifelong resident and educator in Peoria, I have always been aware of Concordia Lutheran’s overall reputation of excellence. I’m also a lifelong friend and colleague of Dr. Russell. These factors made Concordia an excellent new home for me.

 

Share your beliefs about sending children to Christian schools. As a child, I witnessed the sacrifices that my parents made to send my siblings and me to private religious schools. They instilled their priorities in my family and as an educator, I have worked in both public and non-public schools. My wife Janni and I sent our own three children to St. Vincent de Paul through 8th grade and then they attended Richwoods High School. Two of my children attended private Catholic colleges. All three attend(ed) graduate school at private Catholic universities. I sincerely believe that religious schools like Concordia, which create a Christian community and include prayer as part of the day, are really special and formative for students and their families who sacrifice to send them.

 

Why would you recommend Concordia to families? In my short weeks working at Concordia, I have been thoroughly impressed by the opportunities for students to receive an excellent education and spiritual experience supported by all connected with the school. When my children competed against Concordia in athletics and had friends from Concordia, my family was always impressed by the school spirit and good sportsmanship at Concordia.

 

Tell us about your family. My wife Janni and I have been married for 34 years. Janni is a registered nurse for OSF medical group. My daughter Molly is also in education and is the Assistant Principal at Dunlap Valley Middle School. My son Andy and his wife Joslyn live in Chicago where he is a project manager at a law firm and is finishing his Masters in Journalism. Joslyn is a Speech Pathlogist at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. My son Johnny is an admission counselor at St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa, and is finishing his Masters of Business Administration Degree there. My wife and I have two Shih Zhus named Mugsy and Irish.

 

What hobbies and interests do you have outside of school? I like to run, jog, and play golf. I am an avid sports fan and love to attend my favorite teams’ games. I am active in community organizations like the American Red Cross, St. Jude, and the American Cancer Society. This summer, I will complete my 7th consecutive year in the Memphis to Peoria St. Jude Run.

 

“I look forward to serving as an educational leader at Concordia as we begin our 51st year of academic, extracurricular and spiritual tradition. My goal is to work with all members of the Concordia Lutheran family, the Board of Directors and Dr. Russell to make us a Lighthouse School.”