Southwest Virginia Higher Ed Center

KEITH PERRIGAN

Keith Perrigan’s path into the education field began at Virginia Highlands Community College in 1991. Initially interested in law school, his direction shifted into education after several teachers profoundly influenced him. Inspired by their impact, he dreamed of making a difference in students' lives, just as they had made a difference in his. After earning his bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia’s College at Wise, Keith began his teaching career at Abingdon High School working in special education. It wasn’t long before he set his sights on working in administration. “I had some of my mentors that poured into me and saw potential in me,” Keith said. “I tried to learn as much as I could from those folks so that I could try to live up to the legacy that they had already created for Washington County and try to build on that legacy as an administrator here.” With two young children, coaching two sports, and teaching Sunday School on top of his full-time job, the Higher Education Center was the only viable option for Keith to pursue his master’s degree. “Had it not been for the Center, I would not have been able to do it,” he said. Keith graduated with his masters of education in educational leadership from Radford University in 2001. As his career progressed, Keith decided to pursue his doctorate. Balancing family, work, and life responsibilities while working as an administrator at Patrick Henry High School, he once again turned to the Higher Education Center. Radford University Class of ‘01 and Virginia Tech Class of ‘10

This time, he earned his Doctor of Education degree in educational leadership and policy studies from Virginia Tech in 2010. The professors from both Radford and Virginia Tech came to the Center, making the experience nearly identical to being on the main campuses, except for the convenience of saving a lengthy drive. Additionally, Keith found value in the Center’s cohort model, saying, “Many of the folks I went through the master’s and doctorate programs with, we still stay in touch. You build lifelong relationships that you’re able to tap into professionally and personally along the way.” Keith’s career trajectory has been marked with success following the degrees he achieved from the Center. In 2014, he became superintendent of Norton City Schools, then took on the role of superintendent for Bristol City Schools in 2017. His leadership earned him the honor of Region VII Superintendent of the Year in 2022. In 2023, he became superintendent of Washington County Schools, where he still serves today. “The Higher Ed Center truly was life changing for me and my family,” said Keith. “Without the opportunities the Higher Ed Center provided, my complete career path would have gone in a different direction.”

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Great People, Greater Stories

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