Matthew Weinrich’s journey in education began in the small town of Superior, Montana, where his parents served as Christian church planters. This early exposure to leadership and community service laid the foundation for his future endeavors. As his family moved around the western United States, planting churches in Montana, New Mexico, and Utah, Matthew developed a deep sense of adaptability and resilience. These qualities would serve him well throughout his career.
After graduating high school, Matthew moved to Stillwater, Oklahoma, to attend Oklahoma State University. There, he pursued a bachelor's degree in Secondary Education. Upon graduating from Oklahoma State, Matthew began his teaching career in the Putnam City School District.
Over the next 15 years, he dedicated himself to his students, teaching Computers and Social Studies. His commitment to education and his leadership skills did not go unnoticed, and he was soon appointed as the Athletic Director, a role he excelled in for ten years. This position allowed him to mentor student-athletes, instill discipline, and foster a sense of teamwork and perseverance.
During his tenth year in education, Matthew took on a new challenge as the summer school principal for the Rose State Kids College STEAM program. This role expanded his horizons, allowing him to lead a large-scale educational initiative and make a significant impact on young learners during the summer months. His success in this role led to an offer from Rose State College to become their full-time Director of K-12 Initiatives.
Eager to further his education and professional development, Matthew decided to pursue a graduate degree. He enrolled in the Master of Arts in Educational Leadership (MAEL) program at Southern Nazarene University (SNU). Encouraged by Dr. Kent Shellenberger, whose belief in the program’s value was infectious, Matthew chose SNU for many reasons. "Cost, proximity, and the whole idea of the cohort. It was really special," he says.
"I felt it was the next step in my educational evolution," Matthew explains. "I was ready and wanted to grow." He dedicated himself fully to his master's degree program and professional growth. "I hadn't taken my bachelor's degree very seriously 17 years prior and graduated with a 2.5 GPA," he explains. "I was determined to make sure I took my masters seriously, and I did," he adds. His hard work paid off, and he graduated with a perfect 4.0 GPA.
One of the highlights of his time at SNU was receiving Dr. Shellenberger's scholarship, for which Matthew was deeply grateful. This scholarship not only provided financial support but also affirmed his dedication and potential as an educational leader.
“Matt was a great student throughout our program,” says Dr. Kent Shellenberger. “Throughout his career in teaching/coaching, he has been a wonderful role model for his students."
In addition, Matthew was the first in his class to pass the principal's exam, a testament to his preparedness and determination. "After my very first class, I took and passed my principal's exam and was offered two assistant principal jobs," he says.
As Matthew continued his studies, he found himself in the unique position of applying what he was learning in real-time. "Rose State then offered me a full-time role, and I took it," he explains. I was in the very interesting position of actually putting everything I was learning into action right as I was learning it." This practical application of his education reinforced his learning and provided invaluable experience.
Following his graduation from SNU, Matthew and his family returned to Stillwater. There, he accepted the Assistant Director of Transportation position for Stillwater Public Schools. In this role, he oversees all discipline related to the busing system, ensuring students have a safe and orderly transportation experience. For Matthew, this position represents the next step in his educational evolution, combining his leadership skills with his commitment to student welfare.
Hearing this exciting news, Dr. Shellenberger commented, "He (Matt) will be a great administrator who will positively influence the entire community. We are thankful he chose SNU to achieve his administrator certification. We wish Matt the best,” he added.
Reflecting on his journey, Matthew is grateful for the support and mentorship of individuals like Dr. Shellenberger, MAEL Program Director, and Dr. Stephoni Case. Their guidance and belief in his potential were instrumental in his success. Matthew's story is a testament to the power of perseverance, continuous learning, and the impact of dedicated educators on the lives of their students.
