When it comes to being a leader, Matt Hudson isn’t afraid to dig in and get the hard work done. That’s a philosophy that has served him well as assistant principal at Parkview High School and in the community.
“I work hard in my career, civic affairs and to attain the personal goals I constantly set,” Hudson says. “I am not satisfied with status quo, which pushes me to think of what I can do next to serve others, make something great and to be a better person. Along the way, I always try to add humor, grace and style, and make it enjoyable for others.”
Hudson joined Parkview High School in 2005, and he says his role as assistant principal requires him to be flexible.
“I wear the hat of disciplinarian, counselor, parent, friend, colleague, problem-solver, supervisor, operations manager – and the list goes on. Every day is different and the challenges that come with it are unique,” he says. “Always, at the end of the day, I try to remember that what I do has an influence on the most important asset of the people I serve as a leader – their children.”
He says influencing those students is the most worthwhile aspect of his job.
“When that person moves on, it is not the amount of work we produced, the achievement we may have reached together or the strides we may have made,” he says. “It is the relationship that we have formed that is my proudest accomplishment and what matters most.”
Hudson has come full circle in his career as an educator, returning to the school he attended as a teen. Judy Brunner, chief education officer for Instructional Solutions Group, says she remembers when Hudson was a junior high student. She says it was evident even then that he was born to lead.
“When there was a problem with technology in the school office, Matt was there to provide assistance,” she says. “When there was an assembly to be planned, Matt was behind the scenes coordinating and facilitating the process. He had – and continues to have – a gift when it comes to helping all types of individuals in all types of situations.”
This spring, Hudson is finishing up his doctorate in educational leadership at Saint Louis University, after which he will be certified to serve as a superintendent in Missouri.
Between helping his students and furthering his own education, he volunteers for several causes, including Formally Yours, which provides clothing and accessories for students on prom night, and the Safe and Sober Prom Night initiative. Hudson also has served with the American Cancer Society on the Relay for Life planning committee since 2002.[[In-content Ad]]
Under construction beside the existing Republic branch of the Springfield-Greene County Library District – which remains in operation throughout the project – is a new building that will double the size of the original, according to library officials.
