Leading with purpose

Adam Louhoff ('20) never imagined becoming a school principal. But encouragement from colleagues, a desire to make a difference and a graduate program at Longwood University helped him discover an unexpected career path.

“I never saw myself doing this, you know, 15, 20 years ago,” Adam said.

Today, Adam serves as principal of a career and technical education (CTE) center, where he helps students explore their interests, develop practical skills and prepare for their futures.

His journey into administration began with a desire to make a broader impact.

“I figured that this was a way for me to not only help students but help the teachers as well,” he said.

That goal led him to Longwood University's Educational Leadership Endorsement program, which he completed in 2020.

Finding Flexibility at Longwood

When Adam decided to pursue educational leadership, Longwood offered a program that balanced graduate coursework with his professional and personal responsibilities.

The cohort-based program combined online learning with monthly in-person classes, giving him the flexibility to continue working while preparing for his next career opportunity.

“The environment of online coursework and then going to campus once a month, it gave me the freedom and flexibility to get my work done at home,” Adam said.

A recommendation from someone familiar with the program helped influence his decision to enroll. Looking back, Adam considers it an important step in his professional development.

“I got really lucky,” he said. “I hit a home run by being able to attend that program.”

Preparing for the Realities of Leadership

Adam credits Longwood's faculty and practical approach to educational leadership with helping him prepare for the responsibilities of school administration.

“They really prepared us. I would say they gave you a good taste of what it's going to be like day to day,” he said.

Although he acknowledges that no graduate program can anticipate every challenge a school administrator will face, the experience provided a foundation he could build on throughout his career.

“The program definitely prepares you the best that you can for an opportunity to be successful,” Adam said.

He also developed lasting relationships with instructors, many of whom he continues to stay in contact with today.

An Unexpected Path to Career and Technical Education

After completing his endorsement in 2020, Adam began his administrative career in a central office role coordinating virtual school, homebound and home-based education during the COVID-19 pandemic.

He later served for two years as a middle school assistant principal before becoming principal of a career and technical education center.

Although he had never worked in CTE, he quickly discovered how rewarding the environment could be.

“I had no idea that this would happen for me. But now that I'm here, I never want to leave,” Adam said.

His current role allows him to see students applying classroom knowledge through hands-on learning and career-focused experiences.

“I learn something new every day,” he said, recalling a recent culinary competition where students demonstrated their baking skills.

In another classroom, welding students worked on constructing the rear section of a brush fire truck.

For Adam, these experiences demonstrate the value of giving students opportunities to discover their interests and develop skills they can use beyond high school.

“It's great to see children have wins in any subject, but to have it be their choice and what they’re really interested in … It's just a cool role for me to be in,” he said.

Supporting Students and Future Leaders

Adam's leadership philosophy centers on accessibility, collaboration and encouraging others to recognize their potential.

“I try to make myself very accessible to the teachers and to the students if they need me,” he said.

Rather than spending his days behind a desk, he prioritizes visiting classrooms and engaging with students and teachers.

“I really try not to get pinned down in the office,” he said. “I try to be in classrooms daily.”

He also encourages educators to consider leadership opportunities, recognizing the difference that mentorship made in his own career.

“I will tell teachers here, ‘You need to go back to school … I could see you in my position one day,’” Adam said.

Through his work with students, Adam helps connect classroom learning with future educational and career opportunities. CTE programs provide experiences in fields including welding, culinary arts, cosmetology and health sciences.

His responsibilities also include reviewing student applications, supporting dual enrollment opportunities and coordinating with community colleges to help students take their next steps.

Finding Purpose in Leadership

Although Adam's career has taken him through several administrative roles, he remains focused on the opportunity to make a difference in his current school.

“People ask me about my aspirations. I enjoy being in a school,” he said. “Maybe down the line I would look to the central office but hopefully my foreseeable future will be exactly where I am currently at.”

For Adam, leadership isn't about pursuing the next title. It's about supporting teachers, expanding opportunities for students and helping others discover what they can accomplish.

His journey from educator to administrator reflects the impact of professional encouragement, continued learning and a willingness to explore unexpected opportunities.

Interested in advancing your career in educational leadership?

Explore Longwood University's Educational Leadership Endorsement program and learn how graduate study can help prepare educators for leadership opportunities.