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For Darshauna Shepard, coming home was never just about geography — it was about purpose.
A 2008 graduate of Drew Central, Shepard now walks the same halls she once did as a student, this time as principal. In just her second year in the role, she is helping shape not only the school’s academic direction, but its culture — one built on relationships, transparency and a deep-rooted commitment to every student who walks through the doors.
“This is home,” Shepard said. “I knew everyone here. The culture that we have at Drew Central has been life.”
Her journey back to Drew Central wasn’t a straight path. After beginning college at the University of Arkansas at Monticello and finishing her bachelor’s degree at the University of Louisiana Monroe, Shepard initially found herself working outside of education in the mortgage industry. But something didn’t feel right.
“I always wanted to teach,” she said. “When I came back and started subbing, I realized — this is where I’m supposed to be.”
From there, Shepard steadily climbed the ranks — teacher, assistant principal, and now principal — all within the same district that helped shape her.
Now in her sixth year at Drew Central, Shepard oversees a campus of approximately 340 students, but she approaches leadership with a personal touch that goes far beyond numbers.
“I get a chance to make a difference for all students, not just the ones in my classroom,” she said. “I try to know every student — what they’re involved in, how they’re doing, what their plans are after high school. It’s about really caring about what they have going on.”
That philosophy extends to discipline as well. Rather than focusing solely on consequences, Shepard emphasizes understanding behavior.
“It’s not about just sticking to the handbook,” she said. “It’s about changing behavior. If a student doesn’t want to be here, that’s something we need to look at. Why?”
At the core of Shepard’s leadership is a belief that strong relationships — with students, parents, and staff — are the foundation of success.
“Transparency, relationships and culture are huge to me,” she said. “We want students to feel like they’re cared for, not just academically, but as individuals.”
That culture is also reflected in the school’s growing emphasis on preparing students for life beyond graduation — whether that means college, the military, trade school, or entering the workforce.
“We’ve had to take a deeper look at what success really looks like for our students,” Shepard said. “Not everyone’s path is a four-year college, and that’s okay. We want to make sure we’re giving them the resources and exposure they need to find what fits them best.”
Through initiatives like career exploration, internships, and increased communication with families, Drew Central is working to ensure students are equipped with both knowledge and direction.
“Students today have more opportunities than ever,” Shepard said. “But we have to make sure they know about them.”
Safety is another area where Shepard and her team maintain constant vigilance — not just in response to national concerns, but in the everyday details that can impact student well-being.
From weekly staff communications to student surveys and classroom visits, Shepard works to ensure that safety remains a shared responsibility.
“Sometimes safety isn’t just about a major incident,” she said. “It’s the small things — making sure students are supervised, using crosswalks, speaking up if something feels wrong. We rely on our students and staff to help us stay aware.”
Shepard acknowledges that many of the challenges schools face originate outside the classroom, often following students onto campus.
“A lot of issues aren’t happening at school — they’re being brought to school,” she said. “And we have to navigate that while still focusing on education.”
Despite those challenges, Shepard remains focused on building a positive, forward-moving environment — one where students understand their goals and take pride in their progress.
“I’ve had students say they’re working harder because they want us to be an ‘A’ school,” she said. “That mindset — that ownership — that’s a culture shift.”
She also sees parents and community members as essential partners in that effort.
“I want parents to come in, sit down, ask questions, understand what we’re doing and why,” Shepard said. “We’re all on the same team.”
From local professionals speaking to classes to community members visiting campus, Shepard believes those connections open doors for students who may not otherwise see what’s possible.
“Sometimes students just need to see it — to meet someone and think, ‘I can do that,’” she said.
As Drew Central continues to grow and evolve, Shepard hopes the community will take a closer look at what’s happening inside the school — beyond the headlines and assumptions.
“There’s so much more going on than people realize,” she said. “Our teachers are working hard. Our students are achieving. And we’re building something we can all be proud of.”
For Shepard, it all comes back to where she started — the place that shaped her, and the place she now helps shape in return.
“This school poured into me,” she said. “Now it’s my turn to give back.”
