Markeith O'Brian West proudly serves as Principal of Everman High School, bringing more than a decade of experience in public education and nearly two decades of service to students and communities.

A native of Midway, Alabama, Mr. West spent his childhood in a rural farming community, raised by his great-grandfather, before relocating to Montgomery, Alabama at the age of twelve. Those early years on the farm instilled the values that still guide his leadership today: hard work, perseverance, humility, accountability, and the importance of family. They taught him that success is not achieved overnight, but cultivated through consistency, patience, and a commitment to doing the work every day. The move to the city at twelve exposed him to two very different worlds and shaped his belief that every student deserves someone who understands their story and believes in their potential, regardless of where they come from.

Mr. West earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Troy University in Troy, Alabama, and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Texas Christian University (TCU) in Fort Worth, Texas. He holds Principal as Instructional Leader (EC-12) certification, as well as certification in Trade and Industry (8-12).

His path to education was shaped by a career in public service. While attending college, Mr. West worked full-time as a Corrections Officer with the Alabama Department of Corrections in Elmore, Alabama. He later moved to Texas, where he served as a police officer with the Arlington Police Department and subsequently with the Dallas ISD Police Department. Those experiences showed him firsthand how education, opportunity, and positive relationships can change the trajectory of a young person's life, and how powerfully schools can shape a student's future.

In 2013, Mr. West began his career in education with Crowley ISD as a Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice teacher, where he quickly discovered that education was his calling. Over more than a decade of service, he advanced from classroom teacher to Assistant Principal and then to Associate Principal at North Crowley High School. Along the way, he was named CISD Teacher of the Year (2014-2015), received the CISD Heartbeat Award (2015), and was honored with a Leadership Award from the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation.

As a campus leader, Mr. West believes strong systems create strong schools. He helped redesign student movement and campus operational systems that reduced student conflicts and created a safer, more structured learning environment. As an instructional leader, he keeps student achievement at the center of every decision; through the PLC process and teacher coaching, he led a U.S. History team to a five percent increase in STAAR Meets and Masters performance while maintaining a 93 percent pass rate and earning the campus a TEA Academic Distinction.

Building partnerships that expand opportunities for students has been a hallmark of Mr. West's leadership. During his tenure in Crowley ISD, he cultivated relationships with a wide range of organizations and community partners, including American Airlines, the Texas A&M University School of Law, the Tarrant County Sheriff's Department, the Defensive Line Foundation founded by NFL player Solomon Thomas, and numerous local businesses. These collaborations opened doors for students to access mentorship, career exposure, and real-world learning experiences beyond the classroom.

Mr. West also serves as a Site Coordinator and Board Member for the Just Keep Livin Foundation, founded by Matthew McConaughey, and as a Steering Committee Member for the Faith Fight Finish Foundation, founded by Dak Prescott. This work reflects his conviction that education extends far beyond the school walls.

Of all his accomplishments, the role Mr. West cherishes most is being a father. His daughters, Mariah and Maliyah West, are the loves of his life and his greatest motivation. They are a constant reminder of why this work matters, inspiring him daily to lead with integrity, compassion, and purpose.

Mr. West leads with visibility, integrity, and a student-centered focus, and is committed to amplifying the spirit of the Everman Bulldogs by fostering a culture of pride, accountability, and excellence among students, staff, and the community.