Once a South Green student, Matt Shepherd now leads the school
Shepherd is no stranger to the Glasgow Independent School District, and his résumé reflects a strong track record of building meaningful connections with students and colleagues.
GLASGOW, Ky. — Nearly 40 years ago, Matt Shepherd first walked into South Green Elementary as a young student, beginning an educational journey that has now come full circle.
Shepherd, affectionately known as “Shep,” is a 2002 graduate of Glasgow High School and has been named the new principal at South Green Elementary following the announcement that current principal Josh Turner plans to step down.
“If you would have asked the 5-year-old if he would be sitting here as principal, he would not say that,” Shepherd said. “I was going to be a baseball player and then I was going to be a musician. But it’s wonderful how things work out.”
He’s come a long way since 1989, long before he became the familiar, bearded figure many recognize today. While his outlook has evolved over the years, Shepherd said he believes he’s exactly where he’s meant to be.
“I still remember my last day here when I was a student. I remember walking out the doors and getting on the bus, full of excitement and joy, and wondering what was going to happen next,” Shepherd said. “Somewhere between pulling out of the parking lot here and heading home, all of the emotions hit me. I cried. Not because I was afraid of what was next, but because I realized what I was actually leaving.”
Shepherd said he felt safe, supported and inspired as a child at South Green.
He later attended Western Kentucky University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in music in 2014. He later earned a master’s degree in music and a teacher leader certification in 2017, followed by his Rank I in educational leadership in 2023.
Shepherd is no stranger to the Glasgow Independent School District, and his résumé reflects a strong track record of building meaningful connections with students and colleagues.
In addition to being an alumnus, he served as a general music teacher from 2014 to 2018. During that time, he led the Beta group talent team to two national championships, expanded participation in the school’s children’s choir to more than 72 fourth- and fifth-grade students, and was named the KMEA Third District Music Teacher of the Year in 2017, according to the district.
“Overall, as an adult, I love seeing the joy and inspiration in children. Seeing that and embracing that,” he said. “That’s what led me down the path to administration because I get to have that bigger impact.”
From 2018 to 2023, he taught music, choir and strings at Glasgow Middle School, where he launched the school’s Modern Band program, led students to three grand champion Beta Group talent awards, and helped guide the creation of a mural in the newly renovated choir room.
Most recently, Shepherd served with Allen County-Scottsville Schools as an assistant principal and preschool coordinator at Allen County Primary Center.
Matt Shepherd greets attendees after being announced as principal of South Green Elementary School. His father, John, lauded his son’s accomplishments, while Superintendent Chad Muhlenkamp echoed similar praise for his leadership and commitment to students. (Brennan Crain/Barrenside)
Shepherd, a man of strong conviction, became emotional at times while addressing a crowded library Wednesday afternoon during his job announcement.
“My leadership style is going to be emotional because we’re talking about students here. I want them to have that same opportunity when they walk out the doors feeling like they’re inspired to do something to succeed,” he said.
Shepherd said he plans to listen and learn during his first year as principal.
“They already have a great tradition here,” he said.
He added that he is focused on strengthening literacy and math outcomes for early learners at South Green, emphasizing the importance of early intervention and drawing on his own experience.
“If we can catch some babies early—I’ve seen the impact, personally, already in the work that I’ve done. It leads to higher achievement and higher student growth.”
Shepherd thanked Turner, who has served as principal of the school since 2022. He succeeded Bobbie Sue Holmes, who previously left Glasgow Independent Schools.
Brennan Crain
“We are excited to welcome him back to South Green Elementary in this leadership role,” said Dr. Chad Muhlenkamp, superintendent of Glasgow Independent Schools. “His connection to our schools, ,dedication to students and innovative mindset make him an outstanding choice to lead the Scotties forward.”
Muhlenkamp previously served as principal of South Green Elementary following longtime principal Rossie Kingrey. He said he hopes Shepherd will surpass his own tenure, which was the second longest in the school’s history behind Kingrey’s 16-year run from 1989 to 2005.
“She made this school, from the time that I was a student, and her inspiration and discipline paved the way for more leadership in my life,” Shepherd said. “That's what South Green does. It stays with you. I know, not because I was in education, but because I lived it.”
A survey sent out as a part of the hiring process yielded five main characteristics school stakeholders were seeking in a new principal, Muhlenkamp said.
Those were strong communication and interpersonal skills, the ability to maintain a positive school climate, a willingness to make changes based on needs, a record of success, and a commitment to upholding high expectations for students.
Shepherd’s duties officially begin July 1, 2026.
