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Preparing Leaders Who Make a Difference: CEHD Alumnus Logan Sheppard Named Principal of Sherando High School
August 17, 2026
By Kiersten Caputy
For Logan Sheppard, MEd’12, being named principal of Sherando High School is more than a professional milestone. It is a meaningful return to a school community that helped shape him as an educator and leader.
This fall, Sheppard will step into the principal role at Sherando High School in Frederick County, Virginia, bringing with him years of experience in both instructional and operational leadership. A graduate of George Mason University's College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) Educational Leadership program, Sheppard credits the mentors, colleagues, and experiences throughout his career for preparing him for this next chapter.
"I am very excited and humbled by this opportunity to return to Sherando High School," said Sheppard. "During my previous time at Sherando, I was fortunate to have had wonderful mentors and colleagues who helped shape me into a better leader each day. Sherando is a special school and a special community, and I am honored to have been selected as their next principal."
Throughout his career, Sheppard has sought opportunities to broaden his understanding of how school systems operate and how leaders can best support students and staff. From instructional positions to operational leadership roles, each experience has contributed to his comprehensive perspective on education. "I have been very lucky to have had numerous experiences that have given me a comprehensive understanding of how a school system works day in and day out," he said. "Each experience has given me valuable insights into the needs of not only an individual school, but the system as a whole."
That commitment to service and leadership was inspired early in life. Growing up, Sheppard witnessed firsthand the impact educators can have on students and communities. "My father was a teacher and a coach, and I had many people throughout my life as a student who impacted me in a positive way," he said. "I have always operated off of a simple goal: to affect positive change in people's lives each day."
That philosophy has remained constant throughout his career and ultimately led him toward school leadership. "Pursuing school leadership has given me the opportunity to pursue this positive change on a larger scale each day," he explained.
Sheppard's leadership foundation was further strengthened during his time at George Mason University's CEHD. He recalls the Educational Leadership cohort experience as one of the most valuable aspects of his graduate education. "I really enjoyed my experience as a graduate student with CEHD," he said. "We had an outstanding cohort of educators that became friends, shared leadership perspectives, and learned from one another throughout our time as students together."As he prepares to lead Sherando High School, Sheppard remains grounded in a belief that every role within a school division contributes to student success. "Whether it is running the transportation department, designing schools, or being a school-based administrator, all of our work points to one thing: doing everything we can to create opportunities for our students to be successful," he said.
That student-centered mindset is especially meaningful at Sherando, a school he describes as deeply connected to its surrounding community. "For over 30 years, Sherando has served the communities of Stephens City and Middletown, and along the way, the community has continually rallied around the school and supported its students," he said. "When I started at Sherando, I quickly realized the important role that the school plays within the community."
Looking ahead, Sheppard's priorities are centered on listening, learning, and building upon the school's strong tradition of excellence. "My priorities are to listen and learn from our students, staff, and community," he said. "It is important to understand which areas we are excelling in as well as the areas in which we need to grow. We will always put our students first and will strive each day to provide them with as many pathways to success as possible."
As educational leaders continue to prepare students for a rapidly changing world, Sheppard believes schools must balance proven practices with an eye toward the future. "The world is changing at such a rapid pace that, particularly as high school leaders, we are working hard to prepare our students for a future that continues to evolve," he said. "It is vital that we rely on best practices in our school while also recognizing that the demands of the working world are ever changing."
For aspiring educational leaders, Sheppard offers advice rooted in humility, growth, and integrity. "Leadership is not just a skill that you attain," he said. "It is something that you have to cultivate every day within yourself and those around you. Surround yourself with people who will challenge you to be a better leader. Above all, operate with integrity at all times."
As he returns to Sherando High School, Sheppard is eager to embrace the opportunity that first drew him to education: making a difference in the lives of others. "My passion has always been working to positively impact people," he said. "I am very excited to be back in a role that allows me to work with students and teachers each day."
This story supports the Future Ready Teachers initiative and our priority of reclaiming the narrative around teaching as a profession.