About Us

Hello, Kodiak students and families, my name Mr. Shields and I am thrilled to serve as your principal this year! This is my 20th year in education and my 8th in school administration. I spent several years at Northwest High School as an assistant principal and athletic director, and before that, I was New Hope Middle’s assistant principal for four years. I got my start as a teacher at Valley Point Middle where I taught for nine years before moving to Westside Middle for two years.

I graduated from Waverly Central High School and completed my college education at Tennessee Tech University in Cookeville, Tennessee where I earned two Bachelor’s degrees (Multidisciplinary Studies and Secondary Education), a Master degree in Instructional Leadership, and a Specialist’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction.

Coaching is a passion of mine. This is my 19th season coaching track & field. In the past, I have been the head coach at Valley Point Middle and also Northwest High School. I am currently serving as a coach at Dalton State College where I coach the sprints and relays. I have been involved with the sport for 30 years as an athlete and a coach.

Family is the most important thing to me. I am from Waverly, Tennessee where my mother, Donna, lives. I am the oldest of my mother’s two children. My brother, Justin, and my niece, Brooklyn, live in Cookeville, Tennessee. My father, Jerome, passed away in 2021, but he lives on in my memories.

I couldn’t be happier to be back home at New Hope! We have the best school and the best students. Every student belongs. I look forward to getting to know all of our students and celebrating their accomplishments and academic growth. If you have any concerns about anything at school, please feel free to call or come in and discuss those concerns with us. The partnership between home and school guarantees success for all students. I believe that all students can shine when we all work together. I wish you and your children a successful and exciting school year.

#bruinnation
#kodiakroar