By Josh Beavers
Minden High School is proud to announce Ben Bower as its new principal. With over two decades of experience in education and a deep-rooted commitment to student success, Bower brings a wealth of knowledge and a clear vision for the future of Minden High.
Bower’s journey in education began twenty-one years ago, and it has been marked by continuous growth and a passion for fostering student achievement. “My vision is to continue to prioritize academic performance,” Bower stated. “Our school performance score has been increasing over the past several years, and I plan to continue to build off of that growth. I will continue to utilize our instructional leadership team to research and implement resources to improve our instruction.”
Reflecting on his career, Bower shared insights that have shaped his educational philosophy. “I was naive in my thinking about what an educator was when I first started. I assumed all educators were the same in their actions and delivery methods. The teacher presented the information and the students’ job was to learn it. I’ve since realized the big difference between an educator and a good educator is their ability to build relationships with their students. Once a relationship is established, student achievement will follow. Now as the principal, I will work to build relationships with the faculty and staff in order to make Minden High the best that it can be.”
Minden High School is known for its diverse array of activity groups, and Bower is committed to nurturing these opportunities. “Our school currently offers multiple activity groups, including theater, nature club, student council, spirit groups, band, and JROTC, just to name a few,” he said. “At Minden High School, there is a place for everyone. As principal, I will continue to promote these groups and celebrate our students as they participate in them.”
Exciting developments are also underway in terms of facilities at Minden High. “New facilities always bring about excitement,” Bower explained. “Currently, we have several facility upgrades happening. Minden High softball just played their first season on their state-of-the-art softball field. The Webster Parish School Board recently acquired Griffith Stadium for the Minden High baseball team, and upgrades to that complex are in the works. We also have a new multipurpose facility that will have classrooms, conference rooms, JROTC areas, a gymnasium, and football locker rooms and weight rooms. My hope is that these new facilities will bring about new excitement and school pride in our students and staff.”
Bower’s academic background includes a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Southern Arkansas University, earned in 2003, and a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Louisiana Tech, obtained in 2007. Over his twenty-one-year career, nineteen of which have been in Webster Parish, Bower has served as a teacher, coach, and assistant principal at both Webster Jr. High and Minden High School.
Outside of his professional commitments, Bower is an active member of First Baptist Church. He has been married to his wife, Rebecca, for twenty-two years, and they have two sons, Brody and Barron.
Minden High School welcomes Ben Bower as its new principal and looks forward to the positive impact his leadership will bring to the school community.