Meet Corbin’s new assistant principals

SHANNON DIXON

“My teaching background includes 10 years at the high school level. I thoroughly enjoy working with high school students,” said Shannon Dixon as she explained her decision to apply for one of the assistant principal positions at Corbin High School.

Dixon was announced as assistant principal in June. Prior to joining the redhound family, she served as assistant principal at Lynn Camp Schools, and taught high school English in Laurel County.

She is not a Corbin native, but has lived in the area for 19 years. Despite having attended high school in Pineville, her husband was a redhound.

“In regards to Corbin, I fully believe in their mission and vision, and I am honored to have been selected for this position,” said Dixon.

She fills one of the vacancies left by Nicole Brock and John Crawford, both of whom will be officially retired on Aug. 1. Former assistant principal Steve Jewell was promoted to principal leaving both assistant principal positions vacant.

“There are so many things that I am looking forward to, but most importantly is meeting our students,” said Dixon. “I am excited to attend all extracurricular events as well!”

Dixon is bringing plans for numerous goals in her new position.

“To start, I want to spend time investing into our community. Students well-being and academics have always been first and foremost to me as an educator. Personally, I want to continue to learn ways to help them achieve all of their goals, during high school and throughout their post-secondary endeavors,” she explained.

After being announced, Dixon said, “I am thankful — and thrilled-to be provided this opportunity to serve the students, faculty, and community of Corbin Schools.”

JOSH WATKINS 

Like his new fellow assistant principal, Josh Watkins wasn’t a born-and-raised redhound, but he converted in 2013 when he was hired on as a high school history teacher.

He said he knew from the beginning of his career that he wanted to join administration.

“When I became aware that Mr. Crawford and Mrs. Brock were going to be retiring, I wanted to take a chance at getting to serve the school and the system that has given me and my family so many opportunities in the time that we have been in the district,” said Watkins.

“I knew that the role would be challenging, especially coming out of the pandemic, but I wanted the opportunity to step into the role and serve CHS in my own way.”

Watkins said he is looking forward to bringing what he has to offer to students and staff.

“I am excited to see all of our students back in the building this year and am looking forward to helping students be excited to be a part of CHS,” said Watkins.

He said his biggest goal for the upcoming year is helping students get “back in the habit” of coming to school.

“We all know that the pandemic brought an enormous burden on our students in keeping them separate from one another and from taking part in whatever extracurriculars that they enjoyed, so it is incredibly exciting to see that enjoyment come back to our student body by seeing them back in a normal school setting,” said Watkins.

“I hope that in the time that I serve as an assistant principal, I will have gained the trust of the faculty and staff, I will have served the students and community of Corbin to the best of my ability, and will have honored the traditions of Corbin High School,” said Watkins.

Before joining Corbin High School staff, Watkins taught at Knox Central High School for three years.