Hopkins Co. hires 3 administrators | People

Two veteran administrators have been named to new posts in Hopkins County Schools, while a teacher will become an assistant principal.

Lonnie Strader will be the new director of transportation, while Steve Eakins has been named West Hopkins School principal. Nicholas C. Eastham will be assistant principal at Browning Springs Middle School.

“We’re delighted at these selections,” said Superintendent James L. Stevens.

Strader has served as director of elementary education for the past two years.

“I think it's an honor to be named director of transportation,” Strader said. “I will try to do all I can to carry on Mrs. Wolford's tradition. She did a great job.” Susanne Wolford retired earlier this month as assistant superintendent of transportation.

Strader started his education career in 1997. He taught at West Hopkins School and Jesse Stuart Elementary School. He then served as Earlington Elementary School principal from 2006-2010.

He earned an associate degree from Madisonville Community College and a bachelor's degree in political science and education from Western Kentucky University. He also received a master's degree in administration from WKU.

Strader is pastor of Christview Fellowship. He is also a member of the YMCA Board of Directors.

Eakins will move to West Hopkins after serving as principal at Southside Elementary for the past 12 years.

“I'm excited for the challenge that's ahead and looking forward to it,” he said. “This is kind of full circle for me because I started my career in the West Hopkins area. I certainly will miss the staff and students and school community at Southside Elementary. It will be difficult to leave, but it's a new challenge and a new day.”

Eakins has worked in Hopkins County Schools for 26 years. He taught at Charleston Elementary, Hanson Elementary, James Madison Middle School and South Hopkins Middle School. He was assistant principal at SHMS for one year before taking the Southside post in 2000.

He earned a bachelor's degree in business from Oral Roberts University, and a planned sixth-year degree in education (K-8) from Kentucky Wesleyan College. He received a master's degree in elementary education and a Rank 1 in education administration, both from Murray State University.

The assistant principal position at West Hopkins is expected to be filled soon.

Eastham, who was named BSMS assistant principal, has taught social studies at Hopkins County Central High School since December 2005.

“I’m looking forward to going to Browning Springs, and I’m glad I can stay within Hopkins County where my teaching career started,” he said.

Eastham has served as HCCHS Social Studies Department chairman, Site-Based Council chairman and academic team head coach. He earned a master’s degree in educational administration and leadership from Western Kentucky University, a bachelor’s degree in history/secondary education from Kentucky Wesleyan College and an associate degree from Henderson Community College.

The director of elementary education and Southside Elementary School principal jobs will be posted.

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