2008 40 Under 40 Honoree: Marty Marsh

But that’s not his only passion.

“I have a passion for family, and I feel it’s important to model family involvement as it goes along with a professional career,” Marsh says.

Marsh has two children, ages 8 and 6, and his wife, Trish, is a women’s basketball coach at Missouri State University. He helps manage his children’s activities in school, athletics and music, and he is participating in the Parent Teacher Student Associations at Wilder Elementary and Jarrett Middle School and the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life.

As Jarrett principal, Marsh is working with staff to improve academic achievement and attendance, reduce disciplinary infractions, and implement new educational programs. He also continues to lead the Springfield Public Schools Athletic Improvement Committee.

Prior to his position at Jarrett, Marsh was student athletic and activities director and assistant principal at Kickapoo High School. He also taught health and coached two sports at Glendale High School and served as the in-school suspension teacher at Jarrett and Pershing middle schools earlier in his career.

Marsh has been involved with several organizations such as the Missouri State High School Activities Association Leadership and Sportsmanship Committee, the Curriculum Advisement Committee for the MSU Physical Education and Health departments, the Springfield Public Schools Differentiated Diploma Committee and the Springfield-Greene County Gang Task Force.

His personal approach to life: “We live life on a continuum, and it’s not where you fall on the continuum but that you keep moving and try to be the best you can be.”

Marsh says this year his personal goal is to keep advancing in his roles as quality father, professional educator, husband, family member and servant of the Lord.

“Through collaborative leadership, I will work to make a difference in the Springfield community by influencing and educating youth,” he says.

Double Play

Birth date: Jan. 1, 1972

Family: I am married to Trish Marsh, associate head women’s basketball coach for the Missouri State University Lady Bears. We have two children; Mitchell, 8, and Madison, 6. Both of our kids attend Wilder Elementary School in Springfield. My parents are B.J. and Swanie Marsh, both of Springfield, and I have one brother, Monte.

Philosophy to live/work by: I believe that each day we live our lives, we ought to be maximizing our opportunities. According to my priorities in life, my faith ranks at the top, followed closely behind my commitment to my family, and then my professional career.

In a fantasy world, which professional sport would you play? After having spent much of my early professional career coaching basketball, I would no doubt be a professional basketball player. Growing up in southwest Missouri where the sport of basketball dominates, I have truly developed a passion and love for the game.

Information accurate at the time of the honor.