Matthew Beasley has an 18+ year career in independent schools where he has been a Bible, English and Social Science teacher, debate coach, class sponsor, department chair, Dean of Students, Dean of Academics, and K-12 Director of Curriculum and Instruction. Mr. Beasley joined us as Upper School Principal this year, and we have already been blessed by his passion, talent, and gifts immensely.

We got to sit down with Principal Beasley and find out more about his journey to Brook Hill and his love for our students. Read more to find out his goals for our Upper School, his favorite memory from this semester, and even his top artists on Spotify!

What brought you to Brook Hill? How have you enjoyed this year thus far as principal of the Upper School?

“I’m so glad and thankful that God led my family and me to Brook Hill. From the first time we stepped on campus until now, we have seen so many signs of confirmation that we are exactly where we are meant to be. I have enjoyed getting to know this wonderful community, especially the Brook Hill students. I feel so blessed to lead a stellar upper school faculty in this work with our students.”

“From the first time we stepped on campus until now, we have seen so many signs of confirmation that we are exactly where we are meant to be.”

And we feel so blessed to have you! What are your long term goals for the Upper School as Principal? What do you hope for the students?

“My main goal for this year is to listen and learn about the Brook Hill community and all of the good things the LORD is doing in this place. I try to have an infinite mindset in my approach to educational leadership. I know by elevating areas in smaller, manageable ways over time compounds to great changes. We are identifying and taking steps each week to elevate all of our programs in the Upper School.”

We can see the amazing changes already! What has been the peak or highlight so far of your first semester as principal at Brook Hill?

“There have been so many peak moments so far this semester–from the worship on All-Orange days, to the senior retreat, to homecoming pep rally, etc. etc. There are so many great moments that are happening every day on campus. I am so thankful that I get to be a part of these great experiences.”

Love to hear that! Now, tell us about your family! What are all of your children’s names and what grades are they currently attending at BH?

“April and I met in college and have been married since 2006. April has worked as a Spanish teacher and an instructional technology specialist in the past, but currently serves as the Director of Community Relations at Fit Steps for Life. We have four boys who all attend Brook Hill – Jacob – 7th grade, Liam – 5th grade, Jonah – 2nd grade & Hudson – Kindergarten.”

“There are so many great moments that are happening every day on campus. I am so thankful that I get to be a part of these great experiences.“

We are glad to have them all at Brook Hill! How have they enjoyed it so far? What’s their favorite part of the BH community?

“My boys love their new school and all of the friends they are making. It warms my heart to see them find their places here at Brook Hill. April loves being on campus every chance she gets. We love to be at all the events that we are able. So far, we have enjoyed cheering on the Guard at volleyball and football games, eating dinner with the boarding students, enjoying the theater production last weekend and all the other events of this season.”

That’s great! How have you enjoyed East Texas so far? What are your go-to spots for dinner?

“We love being in East Texas. There are so many ways it reminds me of where I grew up in Alabama. We first moved to Texas in June so for the first 60-70 days we were here, I was bit concerned about how hot and dry it was, but now that it has cooled off a bit, it has been great. I’m so glad to live near a Chipotle, again. This is one of our family’s favorites. As far local fare, my favorite, so far, has to be FD’s. We go there at least once a week!”

BIG Chipotle fans over here too, haha! What’s your favorite thing to do outside of school?

“I love spending time with my family. I try to connect with my wife, April, and our boys through our shared interests. We love reading, learning to play musical instruments, hiking, watching Braves baseball, and exploring East Texas.”

We can’t skip that you killed it as a DJ at our HOCO Silent Disco! What is your favorite genre of music? Favorite artist?

“We had a great time at HOCO. I was so happy when I looked up from my DJ booth and saw so many students on my channel. I’m not sure how to answer my favorite artist, but according to my Spotify account I enjoy listening to Tyler Childers, Sturgill Simpson, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Jack Ingram, Zach Bryan, and Paul Simon. I grew up in the 90’s, so I also enjoy Counting Crows, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and the like. As a family, we also love listening to the Hamilton soundtrack.”

What a good selection! Okay, last one…favorite movie of all time, go!

“I’m not sure I have a favorite of all-time, but here is a list of movies I enjoy: Tombstone, The Dark Knight, The Prestige, The Arrival, and Wreck-It Ralph. My favorite TV shows are The West Wing and the Golden Girls, but mainly I watch Atlanta Braves baseball.”

Anything else you would like to share? Any motivation for our Upper School students as we wrap up this semester?

“I am so proud of all the ways I see the Brook Hill students pushing themselves to grow spiritually, academically, and athletically. My prayer is that every student feels connected in this community and finds the love, support and encouragement they need to reach their goals.”

We are so blessed to HAVE MR. beasley and his family at brook hill. We are excited to see the impact that he will continue to make on campus and in the lives of our students!