My name is Joseph Riley.  I am honored and excited to serve as the inaugural Academy Principal for the Academy of Business, Engineering, and Manufacturing at the new Christian County High School. Being entrusted with this role—especially as we open a new school and begin to build something from the ground up—is both humbling and energizing. This academy represents innovation, opportunity, and a commitment to preparing students for real-world success, and I am proud to help lead that work.

As a 1999 graduate of Hopkinsville High School, returning to serve the students and families of Christian County has always been deeply meaningful to me. I began my career at HHS in 2007 as a Social Studies teacher, a role I held until 2022, before continuing my service as an assistant principal. Along the way, I earned an Associate of Arts degree from Hopkinsville Community College and a Bachelor of Arts degree, teaching certification, and Master’s degree in Teacher Leadership from Western Kentucky University. I later completed the Educational Administration program at Murray State University and earned an endorsement in Instructional Supervision. These experiences have shaped my belief in the power of strong relationships, high expectations, and purposeful instruction—values I will carry into this new academy.

The Academy of Business, Engineering, and Manufacturing will focus on preparing students for college, careers, and life by emphasizing problem-solving, collaboration, technical skills, and leadership. I look forward to working closely with our teachers, industry partners, families, and—most importantly—our students as we create engaging learning experiences that connect classroom instruction to our career pathways.

On a personal note, my wife Alissa, an instructional coach at Hopkinsville Middle School, and I are proud parents to our son, Aiden, who will be a sophomore at CCHS in the Academy of Agriculture and Skilled Trades. Like many families in our community, we are fully invested in the success of this new school—not only as educators, but as parents.

I am excited for what lies ahead and grateful for the opportunity to serve. Together, we will build an academy culture rooted in excellence, innovation, and pride—one that students, staff, and our community can be proud of for years to come.