For students, three words come to mind when thinking of Dr. William Shipp: man, myth, legend. Woodgrove’s principal is known for his sharp suits, professional presence, and compassionate character. But beyond his morning announcements and his paisley patterned ties, there is a lot more to the man who oversees the wellbeing of Woodgrove.
Born and raised in western Loudoun County, Shipp has always called Virginia home. Attending Round Hill Elementary, Blue Ridge Middle School, and Loudoun Valley High School, Shipp’s educational upbringing is similar to many of his current students. As a student, he was drawn to history and spent much of his time outdoors, long before he ever pictured himself leading a high school.
For his freshman year of college, Shipp attended Winthrop University with a scholarship for track and cross country. However, he found both the academic rigor and the size of the school underwhelming. Seeking a more challenging and populated environment, Shipp transferred to James Madison University (JMU), where he earned his bachelor’s degree in history. “My father continually asked what my next step was, and I was not too sure,” he recalled. “It wasn’t until I started substitute teaching that I thought, ‘I might actually enjoy this,’” he explained.
After discovering his love for teaching, Shipp went on to earn his masters degree in education from Shenandoah University and his doctorate from William and Mary. However, Shipp didn’t start his career in education. His first job was with a global technology company, where he briefly worked. “It was always chasing the bottom line: money and things like that,” he mentioned. “I’m certainly glad that there are people that do that, but that wasn’t me, that wasn’t my focus. My focus was more of, ‘did I help somebody today?’ That’s what gives me fulfillment, so that was my focus,” he shared.
Seeking a fulfilling career, Shipp went on to teach history at Parkview High School, where he remained for five years before moving into administration. Shipp then was offered a position as dean at Harper Park Middle School when he made a positive impression on their administration, then was promoted to assistant principal. “Once I stepped into the classroom, I never looked back,” he remarked. “I’ve always enjoyed working with people.” Four years later, he became the principal of Woodgrove High School, and has been shaping the school’s community ever since.
Shipp’s wife, Alison, shares his passion for education. The two first crossed paths in high school in a shared history class their junior year. “She wore a wedding dress for some performance,” William Shipp laughed. “Ironically, years later, I’d be marrying her.” The two would later be reintroduced at JMU, married in 1996, and now both work in Loudoun County schools, with Alison teaching kindergarten at Round Hill Elementary.
Their two children, Colin and Ainsleigh, both attended Woodgrove and moved on to receive higher education from four year universities. Colin, a JMU graduate, is following in his father’s footsteps and teaching social and global studies at Independence High School, while Ainsleigh, a recent Virginia Tech graduate, is pursuing occupational therapy. “[Shipp] has always pushed me to excel and has been proud of my achievements,” Ainsleigh Shipp commented. “He is willing to lend a hand when I need it, even becoming the person I test all my newfound knowledge on for practice,” Ainsleigh shared.
Outside of school, Dr. Shipp has a few rituals students might not expect. “My routine is getting up, working out, and I have to clean the downstairs of the house: folding blankets, dishes, the dishwasher, I’ve got to do that every morning,” he explained. William Shipp also drinks at least five cups of green tea daily, fueling him with antioxidants and energy. On days he is not watching over the well-being of Woodgrove, he spends his spare time enjoying the great outdoors with his year-and-a-half old boxer. “I love the outdoors. Biking, running, hiking, any of those things—I enjoy that. I’m a big believer in getting outside, just getting fresh air,” he expressed.
If Shipp is not participating in an outdoor activity, he is most likely spending time with his wife shopping at Barnes and Noble or driving up to D.C. to catch a show. He is also a fan of ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy, though his daughter keeps him up to date on newer media. “I walked in last night with my wife and daughter watching ‘K-pop Demon Hunters,’” he laughed. “As a matter of fact, I think Mr. Schwartz and Mrs. Jackson were actually talking about it at lunch yesterday!” According to his daughter, he is also a great piano player and dancer. Ainsleigh Shipp reminisced, “He taught me my first ballroom dance moves along with my first song on the piano. He still fills our house with Für Elise on the rare occasion he plays the piano.”
To some students, Shipp may always be the man in the suit: formal, composed, and ready with a handshake. But beneath the stripes and silk ties is someone who loves his family, his students, and a good cup of tea. The “myth and legend” might still stand, but at the heart of it all is something simpler: a man who finds meaning in helping others, one day at a time.