Murray State University awards Tim McGinnis with Outstanding Alumnus award
Tim McGinnis is a two-time Murray State graduate with a long time career in education.
Longtime educator, school administrator, and community leader Tim McGinnis has recently been named as the recipient of the Murray State University College of Education and Human Services’ Outstanding Alumnus award during the school’s yearly Homecoming Breakfast on October 17.
McGinnis graduated from Murray State University twice. Once in 1980 with a master’s degree in secondary education with an emphasis in guidance, and again in 1983 with an education specialist program of 30 graduate hours beyond the master’s degree program. He also completed additional classes in public school administration.
McGinnis has spent more than 30 years in a career in public education. During that time he has worked as a classroom teacher, a principal, an assistant superintendent, and a superintendent. He has shown a commitment to community service and students and has continued those commitments into his retirement.
His interest in education began early in his college years. During that time he spent nine summers employed by the West Kentucky 4-H Camp in Dawson Springs. In that position he taught canoeing and boating to young campers, those experiences shaping his goals of pursuing a career in education.
McGinnis started his professional career in education back in 1977. His first position was at Christian County Middle School teaching industrial arts and mathematics. He held that position for 12 years. While in that position he also served as a school bus driver both before and after school, an experience he attributes to a deep understanding of the challenges faced by students outside of the classroom, as well as the necessity of building relationships with the families of students.
He then transitioned into administration as an assistant principal and athletic director at North Drive Middle School in Hopkinsville, Kentucky in 1989. Two years after that he was named principal of Lacy Elementary school, in the same city, where he had previously spent time as a student. During that time the Kentucky Education Reform Act was implemented, which created drastic changes to the way public education functioned in Kentucky.
From there, McGinnis rose into a district leadership position within Christian County Public Schools, where he was named as director of finance and assistant superintendent. While there he was in charge of a range of district operations such as food services, transportation, facilities, personnel, and finances.
After more than two decades with Christian County Public School, in 2000, McGinnis was hired as superintendent of Trigg County Public Schools. He served in that position for a decade.
In that position, McGinnis, worked on creating high expectations for both educators and students, as well as strengthening academic achievement. He took advantage of the competitive spirit of the community by challenging the district to become one of the four best performing school districts academically in the West Kentucky Educational Cooperative, which the district eventually succeeded.
In an article posted on Murray State University’s website, McGinnis was quoted about this goal, saying, “We didn't want anybody to beat us in football or basketball or track or anything, and I said, why would we want anybody to beat us academically?”
He noted that the academic growth of that district was one of his most important accomplishments because it showed what educators and their students could achieve when they share a strong vision and high expectations.
McGinnis has noted that his classroom experience has shaped his approach to administration, helping him succeed as he steered his career into district leadership. He said that his leadership philosophy focuses on relevance and rigor, relationships, and a commitment to making sure every school employee felt respected and valued.
He went on to talk about the importance of focusing on the classroom, saying, “The hardest job in any public school setting is the classroom. As a school administrator, I always tried to show my respect and appreciation for the classroom teacher because that’s where the rubber meets the road.”
McGinnis retired from working full time back in 2010, but kept supporting public education through a variety of interim leadership roles in Christian County. Some of these roles included working as an elementary principle and serving as a technology director and a transportation director. Then, in 2019 he went back to Trigg County Public Schools for half a year to serve as interim superintendent. He has also spent time as a tutor in life skills and mathematics.
Outside of his professional work, McGinnis is also involved in serving his community. He has served as a member of the Cadiz Rotary Club for over 25 years, and as such as been club president and has taken part in the leadership team for its yearly fundraising auction, which often raises almost a half million dollars to support community needs like educational opportunities and scholarships.
He is also a part of the Trigg County 4-H Council as well as the Trigg County Middle and High School Youth Services Center Council which supports programs that give opportunities and resources to students and their families.
McGinnis also holds a leadership role within the Kentucky Conference of the United Methodist Church as well as the Blackbridge United Methodist Church. In his religious work he has taken part in organizing appreciation meals for custodians, bus drivers, administrators, teachers, and other school employees working in Trigg County.
He went on to talk about how all of these activities are based on his values of service, respect, and relationships, saying, “I hope people remember me as a person who is kind and respectful. It’s about relationships.”
McGinnis has retained his connections to Murray State University, as education has become a tradition in his family. He has four children with his wife, Carrie, and five grandchildren. The family often attends athletic events at the university as well as campus celebrations and alumni gatherings. They also often volunteer together at alumni events.
He also spoke on his being named as an Outstanding Alumnus, offering his appreciation and gratitude for the honor and to his fellow educators who have also been dedicating their lives to serving others.
“It’s such an honor, and I’m humbled to have even been considered. I know so many fellow educators who are deserving because of their work, their commitment and the impact they’ve had,” he said.
He also noted that COEHS has played a large role in helping educators who offer resources and talents to communities and schools throughout the region: “I’m proud of our college, and I’m proud of the many exceptional educators that Murray State has helped mold and put out in western Kentucky and other places.”
The purpose of the Outstanding Alumni recognition is to celebrate people who have graduated from Murray State University who have in their professional lives reflected the values of the school in preparing others to make a long term positive impact in their communities and industries.
More information about Murray State University can be found at the school’s website.