Roger Berkbuegler, principal of Rolla High School, already knows he’s going to miss being the principal of RHS. It has been his life for the last 28 years.

“I don’t think you can separate yourself from the job; the position has become my identity. I’ve always felt a sense of pride when I am introduced as Roger Berkbuegler, principal of Rolla High School,” Berkbuegler said.

Berkbuegler said also that he felt fortunate to be able to say that he looked forward to going to work every day.

“The energy that comes from these kids is incredible. I’m really going to miss that,” he said.

A lot of things have changed since he first came to Rolla. The school facilities themselves have gone through major changes.

There wasn’t a computer in the district, (Berkbuegler remembers buying the first one).

He also remembers sitting in his office all night waiting for a computer to finish it’s run, knowing that if it jammed, he’d have to start it all over again.

 He’s seen much during the years: Changes in curriculum, changing students, changing staff. But a change he is most proud of is how things have changed academically for RHS students.

“Two-thirds of every class is graduating with college credits now. It’s become typical for a student to graduate with 10 to 12 college credits, but we’ve had students graduate with up to 50 college hours. That makes me really proud, knowing that we’re helping these kids get a good head start,” he said.

Berkbuegler said the school has gone from giving out quarterly grades to giving students their grades every three weeks.

“I never wanted a student to find out too late, that he or she wasn’t where they needed to be.We’ve worked hard over the years learning what inspires kids to work harder and reach higher,” said Berkbuegler.

When Berkbuegler began his career as principal at Rolla High School there were $50,000 in scholarships being awarded to graduating seniors. This May $5 million in scholarships will be awarded.

“That’s just one of many things that show his commitment to helping the students achieve more,” said Dr. D. Kent King, Missouri Commissioner of Education.

Berkbuegler was the first administrator King hired. “He was a great catch,” said King.

Berkbuegler gives credit to King for always making him want to do his best.

“He (King) just has this way of working with people that is so unique. He never has been a micro-manager. He gives you the job and then somehow he just inspires you to want to go the extra mile to be the best you can be,” said Berkbuegler.

Ironically, Berkbuegler initially started out as an architectural engineer and got a teaching certificate as a back-up. He is grateful he went further into education, and feels deep satisfaction in his career choice.

“I am so thankful for the opportunities I’ve had to work with the students here. Being a principal is an awesome responsibility, but one which I have always enjoyed. The students make sure that no day is like the one before, and that has kept me motivated and excited about my profession for a long time,” Berkbuegler said.

Berkbuegler will continue to work about half-time at Missouri S&T teaching a class, ‘Foundations of American Education’. Berkbuegler serves as an adjunct professor in the College of Arts and Sciences at S&T.