Meet Shauna J. Murphy, superintendent of Cincinnati Public Schools and longtime Cincinnatian devoted to students and quality education. Shauna earned her Bachelor’s degree from Ohio University followed by two Master’s degrees, one in Secondary Education from Xavier University and the other in Educational Administration from the University of Cincinnati. She began her 36-years-and-counting educational career as a substitute teacher with CPS and before moving into administrative work. Shauna has held several administrative positions, including stints as principal at Hyde Park School and Woodward Career Technical High School. She has been the superintendent of CPS for 29 years.

“I am motivated by the day to day opportunities I have to make a difference in the lives of young people,” said Shauna. “I believe education is the one thing no one can take away from you and can completely change the trajectory of someone’s life.”

Shauna’s mother valued education and instilled in her a strong work ethic. Every day after school, before she (and her four sisters) could play with friends, Shauna had to tell her mother about what she learned that day in class, read to her, and summarize what she read. These expectations instilled in her a love of learning and teaching.

In addition to her work in education, Shauna also finds time to serve the community through volunteering with her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha, and on boards, including the Art Museum and Mind Peace. Shauna is a graduate of Leadership Cincinnati Class 49 and also serves as Superintendent of Christian Education at Southern Baptist Church.

“I’m hoping my students and families will remember me as a caring, loyal and dedicated educator,” said Shauna. “I consider myself a servant in this work and I don’t forget about that servant mindset.”

What life experiences has most influenced your personal mission and purpose?

I was blessed with incredible school experiences as a child, and I can still remember each of my teachers and the impact they had on me. Those experiences shaped my belief that education can change the trajectory of a young person’s life. Growing up in Cincinnati, in a family where my mother set high expectations for her daughters and insisted on excellence, I learned early that hard work and education open doors.

My journey—from substitute teacher to superintendent of Cincinnati Public Schools—has only deepened that conviction. Every role I’ve held, whether teaching English and African American Studies or serving as a principal and district leader, reinforced my personal mission: to ensure every child receives a world-class education. I want our students to know, beyond a doubt, that we are here for them.

What motivates you to keep moving forward in your journey?

I am motivated by the daily opportunity to make a difference in the lives of young people. Education is something no one can take away from you, and I see firsthand how it transforms lives. Watching students grow from ninth graders into confident graduates walking across the stage on graduation day—that is one of my greatest definitions of success.

I’m also inspired when former students share their accomplishments, their families, and their memories of school. Knowing I played even a small part in their journey keeps me going. After 36 years in education and nearly three decades with Cincinnati Public Schools, I remain energized because the work matters—and our children deserve our very best every single day.

What legacy do you hope to leave behind?

I hope to be remembered as a caring, loyal, and dedicated educator who always put children first. I want students and families to know that I served with humility and a servant’s heart, striving to treat others the way I would want my own child or grandchildren to be treated.

I also hope the systems and programs we build—like Beyond the Tassel—continue to prepare every Cincinnati Public Schools graduate for success after high school. If our students look back and say that CPS made a meaningful difference in their lives, then I will know I have fulfilled my purpose.

That legacy of putting children first, expanding opportunity through education, and leading with humility and a servant’s heart is what makes Shauna J. Murphy a 2026 We Are Making Black History honoree.