New Rowan principal almost never got to Morehead

MOREHEAD, Ky. (WTVQ) – A 2007 graduate of Morehead State University who stayed there after he graduated is putting roots even deeper in the community.

And it comes after he almost never went to college.

James Hood was recently named principal of Rodburn Elementary School by Rowan County Schools.

Originally from Arlington, Virginia, Hood later moved to Shepherdsville, Kentucky. He said he never had plans to attend college until his high school band director and Morehead State University alumnus Rodney Stults, a 1998 graduate, brought him to MSU for a visit and encouraged him to pursue a teaching career.

“Public education had a positive impact on my life, and I give credit to my education for allowing me the opportunities I have had,” Hood said.

Hood became the first person in his family to attend college.

At MSU, he met his wife, Kristen (08), in his first education course. He also was part of the MSU Marching Band and the University Choir.

Hood went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Education Middle Grades 5-9 (Science and Social Studies) in 2007. He later returned to MSU to earn both a Master of Arts in Education – Teacher Leader/Reading & Specialist Endorsement in 2013 and an Ed.S. in Instructional Leadership in 2020.

Hood said he owes much of it to MSU’s programs and professors when it comes to his success in education.

“It did not take long for me to realize the superb quality of education I was receiving at MSU,” he said. “The professors in the education department, along with all the professors I had at MSU, showed a true interest in my success.”

Hood has spent the last 13 years educating students primarily in social studies while also teaching classes in science and writing for Rowan County Middle School.

He currently serves as the president of the Rowan County Education Association. He and his wife, who also teaches at Rowan County Middle School, sponsored the Kentucky Youth YMCA Program and Hood was recognized for outstanding leadership when he was inducted into the Kentucky YMCA Hall of Fame in 2014.

As Rodburn Elementary School’s newest principal, Hood said he wants to lead by embracing teamwork, growth, communication and community involvement while fostering a culture with mutual trust and respect.

“I want to empower my faculty and staff to serve our students and the community in the most positive and effective way,” he said.

For the next five years, MSU will be discounting graduate tuition on all 600-level courses within the Volgenau College of Education.

For more details on the reduced tuition, as well as information on graduate and certification programs offered by the Volgenau College of Education, visit www.moreheadstate.edu/kyeducators.