Steele named principal at Columbia Central High School

Michael Steele
Michael Steele

Michael Steele has been named as the principal of Columbia Central High School, effective July 1, 2022.

From 2010 to the present, Steele was the executive principal at Stratford STEM School in Nashville. In addition to these most recent roles, Steele worked at Antioch High School, Hillsboro High School, Litton Middle School, Bailey Middle School, Inglewood Elementary, Maplewood High School, and Whites Creek High School in several different capacities.

Steele served in the U.S. Marine Corps for four years, earning a meritorious promotion from boot camp, becoming a Training NCO, Combat Swimming Instructor, NCO Alcohol and Abuse Counselor, Squad Leader, Good Conduct Leader, and received a Life-Saving Award. Steele also served in law enforcement for 10 years. Steele led and mentored students at University Christian School as principal from 2008-2010.

Steele received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Columbia College in Missouri, then a Master of Science in Psychology and 1 Counseling from Troy University in Alabama. In 2014, Dr. Steele earned his Doctorate in Learning Organizations & Strategic Change from Lipscomb University in Nashville. In 2022, Steele was appointed to serve on the Standards Recommendation Committee for the State of Tennessee.

Steele's certifications are in Guidance and Counseling from the Florida Department of Education, Administration from the Florida Department of Education, Administration from the Association of Christian Schools, and currently, Administration from the Tennessee Department of Education.

"I couldn't be more honored to have been selected to lead Columbia Central High School and the Lion Nation," Steele said. "The Lions and Columbia Central are the top of the spear in education and will continue to excel in everything we do, allowing no excuses moving forward toward excellence. We will focus on our students and staff and do great things in the future.

"I am excited for Dr. Steele to become part of the MCPS family," Superintendent Lisa Ventura said. "His varied experience inside and outside of public education opens exciting possibilities for Columbia Central HS.”

This article originally appeared on The Daily Herald: Steele named principal at Columbia Central High School