Great Leader Spotlight: Cody Killen

Dr. Cody Killen: “Wherever You Are, Be All There”

In the first week of his very first principalship, Dr. Cody Killen was pulled aside by his superintendent. It was only August, and the school year was just beginning.

“Cody,” the superintendent said, “your people love you. The kids love you, the teachers love you. But I need them to respect you in an academic sense. I need you to be the academic leader in this building.”

Killen could have sulked, frustrated at being challenged so soon, but instead changed his attitude. “You have two options,” he said. “You can have a pity party, or you can roll up your sleeves and go to work. I chose to go to work.”

His choice has defined his leadership journey ever since.

From Teacher to Statewide Leader

Killen’s path into school leadership began the way many do: with a love for the classroom. He taught biology, chemistry, and even worked in special education. He also coached. But early in his education career, he realized he could do more.

“I just loved school,” he recalled. “But I thought I could have a greater impact in administration. I still love it, all these years later.”

He started as a long-term sub in Neshoba County School District in 2008 and spent much of his career there before moving on to Newton County, Lauderdale, and now Brandon High School in Rankin County. Along the way, he built a reputation as a capable administrator and as a leader others turned to for insight and encouragement.

Much of that growth, he says, came because others invested in him. “My superintendent, Lundy Brantley, started taking me to conferences and introducing me to people across the state. Those connections helped develop me further as a leader.”

Today, Killen himself is a fixture in professional organizations. He has served on the board of MPE, served as board president of MASSP, presented at MASA, MPE, and NCEE, and even taught leadership development sessions for aspiring principals. For him, professional organizations are lifelines for school administrators.

“You learn what’s coming down legislatively, and you pick up best practices,” he said. “But the real value is the people you meet and the connections you make. You build a Rolodex of supporters. When you face something you're not sure about, you can pick up the phone and say, ‘Hey, you ever dealt with this?’”

More Than Brick and Mortar

At every stop, Killen has noticed a common thread: successful schools are built by people.

“A school is just brick and mortar,” he said. “The people inside are what make it great. If you look at a successful school, you’ll see a successful community. The two go hand in hand. When the school’s doing well, the community’s doing well.”

That’s why he works so intentionally to build culture. From accountability among staff to community involvement, Killen sees leadership not as directing traffic but as setting a tone. If teachers know their leader values what happens in classrooms, they’ll bring their best. If the community sees the school invested in them, they’ll invest back.

At Brandon High School, where expectations are already very high, that culture is most important. “Brandon seems to be a beacon to others,” Killen said. “People all across the state look at us. That comes with great expectations. We have to set the standard."

Killen is adamant about leaders setting high standards for schools. "The standard you overlook better be the standard you are willing to accept. Excellence should be in all things, from athletics to arts to academics. That is our mentality for this year.”

Be All There

This year, Killen has given Brandon a rallying cry: “Wherever you are, be all there.”

The message grew out of a personal conviction. In his early years, he learned how easily school leadership can consume every ounce of energy. The late nights, the phone calls, and the pressure can pile up fast.

“It’s vastly important to save some for home,” he said. “It's hard to take care of the schoolhouse without taking care of the house.”

So he reminds staff to give their full attention to whatever role they are in at the moment. If you’re at Brandon High, be fully there for students and colleagues. If you’re at home, be present with your family. If you’re at church, be all in. It’s a simple rule that makes balance possible and keeps burnout away.

The staff has embraced it. Students are reminded that excellence starts with showing up fully wherever you are. In a world of distractions, it’s a countercultural but necessary way to live.

Advice for Aspiring Leaders

When asked what he would tell someone eager to step into administration, Killen leaned on both experience and wisdom.

“Ask for leadership opportunities,” he said. “Administration is a lifestyle, not even a career. It's not just a job. Step into responsibilities now so you can see what it really looks like.”

But he’s equally quick to warn against ambition without purpose. “Denotris Jackson (Mississippi School Board Association) gave me this advice for superintendents, and it fits for all leadership positions. Don’t chase the position. Don’t just want to be a principal. Make sure you want to be the principal of that school.”

Another major lesson: schedule your priorities, not your time. “You’ll never have enough time. You have to delegate. Then you can give your energy to what really matters most.”

Cody Killen's message is simple but profound. If you want to lead well, don’t spread yourself thin. Don’t live distracted. Don’t chase titles. Instead, slow down and be fully present.

“Wherever you are,” Killen reminds us, “be all there.”

Have any of Cody Killen's practices resonated with you? Let me know in the comments below!