Story by Ava Chuppe
Contributing writer
Several graduates of Murray State University have received new jobs this year as principals and assistant principals in McCracken County.
Matt Houser received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in school administration from Murray State. In the fall, he will serve as McCracken County High School’s new principal, the second principal in the school’s history. Houser already served as interim principal for much of the spring semester at McCracken. His previous role was a house principal in one of the school’s five houses.
Houser said he was honored to accept the role as principal and his time at Murray State helped him prepare for the job.
“The principal job at McCracken County is a big responsibility, but I have quite a bit of experience in administration and complete confidence in my faculty and staff,” Houser said. “There is a lot to learn in my new role, so I’m blessed to have a solid network of colleagues and support from central office. Murray State played a very important role in my life and development. When I arrived on campus that first year, I really didn’t know who I was or what I wanted to be. Living away from my parents for the first time, Murray State offered opportunities to meet new people and learn from their perspectives. My journey of self-discovery led to lifelong friendships, laid the foundation for my career and I even met my wife on campus. Murray State certainly had a large impact on my life, and I am forever grateful for that experience.”
Two new house principals at McCracken who hold degrees from Murray State are Kevin Jackson and Tammy Chapman. Jackson, the new principal of House 2, earned a master’s degree in educational leadership from Murray State and was most recently the Chief Information Officer of Marshall County Schools. He also taught math and physics and began his career in administration as assistant principal of Marshall County High School.
Chapman, the new principal of House 3, received a master’s degree in educational leadership from Murray State as well. She has been an educator for 24 years, having taught chemistry for four years and math for 20. Recently, she has served on the SBDM at McCracken and also served as an interim assistant principal during the spring 2019 semester.
Lone Oak Middle School, one of three McCracken County middle schools, is also welcoming a Racer grad as principal for the 2019-2020 school year. Coye Elliott earned a bachelor’s degree in agriculture education and two master’s degrees in agriculture education and school administration. He began his career teaching agriculture at Lone Oak High School, which is now the middle school building. For the past four years, Elliott has taught agriculture at McCracken County High School while serving as an assistant principal at Graves County High School.
In addition, Allison Stieg will become the principal of Paducah Tilghman High School this year. Stieg received a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, a master’s degree in education, and a Rank 1 Certification in Administration from Murray State. She previously taught for 27 years, but her most recent position was Tilghman’s Dean of Students. Stieg taught mathematics and served as the varsity girls’ basketball coach at Tilghman. She also taught and coached basketball at Ballard Memorial High School and Heath High School.
