Principal Preparation Program grooms future educational leaders in southern Ohio

Dr. Bill Larson

IRONTON, Ohio – Area educators interested in becoming leaders have a unique opportunity to pursue their goals through Ohio University. The Principal Preparation Program is a two-year, graduate-level experience that provides the option to earn a master’s degree in Educational Administration, a principal’s license or both. 

The program is shared by Ohio University Southern and Ohio University Chillicothe, and the forty-student group that began in 2016 is scheduled to graduate this spring. 

Dr. Bill Larson, coordinator of the Educational Administration program, said that preparations are underway for a new class of students. “The 2018 cohort, which will be our thirteenth, will begin this summer,” Larson said. Students meet with instructors one Saturday per month and approximately 12 times during each summer semester.

According to Larson, the reach of the program in southern Ohio is broad. “Nearly every district in Gallia, Jackson, Lawrence, Pickaway, Pike, Ross and Scioto counties has employed at least one administrator who is a graduate of the program.” 

J.D. Emnett, principal at Green High School and Principal Preparation Program graduate, credits the experience with helping him grow professionally. “The program provided for me an opportunity to prepare for the principalship with in-class instruction that is aligned to the work of a principal,” Emnett said. “Also, during a hands-on internship, I learned by doing under the guidance of a mentor.” 

Interested individuals are invited to an informational meeting about the program March 13 from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. at Ohio University Southern in the Ohio Room, Collins Building. To register or for more information, contact Larson at larsonw@ohio.edu or 740.533.4580.