A La Porte County Life in the Spotlight: Wendel McCollum

wendelmccollumMichigan City High School will be welcoming home one of its very own this fall. Wendel McCollum, a graduate and former resident of Michigan City, will be walking back through his old high school’s doors in a very new role as principal. McCollum is no stranger to the area, the people, and the Michigan City school system. He not only was a student in the area, but also a former assistant principal and coach.

 

 

 

“When I was still in college, I was a football coach for the high school team for seven years, and I always dreamt of one day coming back as the principal,” McCollum disclosed.

Born in Michigan City, McCollum attended Park Elementary School, Barker Middle School, and Rogers High School which later consolidated into Michigan City High School. McCollum then attended Indiana University Northwest where he received his bachelor’s degree in secondary education with a major in social studies. He continued on to earn a master’s degree in secondary education.

“I always knew I wanted to work in education. From the time I was in high school, it was something I knew. The relationships I had with many of my teachers inspired me,” McCollum explained.

His tenure in education started at Gary where he was a social studies teacher for six years and put in the extra work to earn his administrative license. In the summer of 2006, McCollum was hired to be an assistant principal at Elston Middle School. After two years, he took the same position at Krueger Middle School for another two years. In 2010, he took the position of associate principal at East Chicago Central High School, and in January of 2011 he assumed the role of principal. His time there tested his knowledge of the education system and proved that he was the man for the job. 

“When I arrived at East Chicago Central High School, it was one of twenty-three schools within the state facing takeover from the Department of Education. When I got there we were all on alert to ensure the school did not fail. We implemented a transformation model there that included putting in a lot of programs and processes to remediate our students that needed help and also enrich those students who needed more rigorous courses,” related McCollum. 

The hard work and structure paid off, and by the end of the year East Chicago Central High School’s sophomores had the second largest academic gains in the state. The school was also joyfully removed from the state’s probation and takeover list. His impressive turnaround was recognized, and McCollum earned his dream position as Michigan City High School’s new principal.

 “Having worked in a district where I had to improve the school gives me the ability to walk in the door and know what has to be done without much pen holding. I have always dreamt of being the principal here and coming home. This is an opportunity to give back to the community and work with friends and family. Another dream of mine has always been taking the high school to a place where it can be recognized as one of the best high schools in the state or in the country,” McCollum divulged.

McCollum will use his experience, knowledge, and faith in the staff and students to put Michigan City High School eye to eye with the other schools that are deemed high quality. First and foremost, McCollum plans to strengthen and add college and career opportunities for the students.

“I plan to work with the middle school principals on helping to map out plans for our students, so that by the time they reach high school they have a clear picture of what it is going to take for them to reach their goals,” stated McCollum. 

McCollum is eager to begin the strengthening process, but is especially excited about the social interactions he will be able to make with his students and staff.

“I am most excited about walking in the hallways, touching bases, making new relationships, and rekindling old relationships. Many of the students that will be juniors and seniors are students that I will be familiar with from my time at the middle schools. I have always been good at handling relationships with students, staff, and parents.” McCollum mentioned.

Not only will McCollum be reconnecting with his former school and students, but also with a childhood favorite-the beach. McCollum chooses Michigan City’s expansive lake shore as his favorite feature in the area.

“I grew up on the west side of Michigan City, and everyday during the summertime my friends and I would get on our bikes when we were little kids and hang out at the beach all day. The lakefront is a favorite.

McCollum will be moving back to the area with his wife and two kids, so the Lighthouse Place Mall is a new favorite for him along with being close to his extended family. He enjoys riding bikes and playing video games with his family. Additionally, McCollum has a heavy passion for sports-particularly the Dallas Cowboys.