Introducing our Newest Assistant Principal

From working for the government to serving as an educator at various schools, we are introducing our newest 10th-grade Assistant Principal, Mr. McMillan, to the Mill. Shockingly, he is an alumnus of Wilde Lake, now working at his rival school. He has 20+ years of experience working with students, though not only as a teacher, but also as a basketball coach. He coached at both Wilde Lake and Glenelg High School, and even at a middle school. He worked in administration at Thomas Viaduct Middle School before transferring this year to OM. Regardless of what position he plays inside and outside of the education system, his top priority is always to “make sure everyone can maximize their potential as young people,” as he wants all students to be the best that they can be. 

On the weekends, he still has a significant leadership role in taking good care of his daughter. He does all he can to make sure she is happy and is able to do the activities she wants to do. “Me time” is crucial for him as well, so when he has the chance to relax, he usually watches college football. Go Blue! 

He has undergone many transitional periods as his career path drastically changed from working with the government, while living in Atlanta, Georgia, to moving back to Maryland and working as an educator. It was not his ideal choice to experience this change, but due to having to care for his grandma, he had to put his initial career goals on hold. He began to love working with students, though, as students’ success brought him fulfillment. One of the most significant moments he had as a teacher was when he provided support for a student who was incarcerated and guided him through the graduation process so he was able to succeed. This moment is not something that one finds most often, so he sees greatness in all students who can push through challenges to come out stronger.

Now, as an assistant principal at Oakland Mills, Mr. McMillan plays a big role in making sure our school runs smoothly and safely. He constantly keeps everyone safe by making sure the building is secure and no doors are left open where strangers could get in. He also makes sure that every student is in class and that each classroom has a teacher, so learning doesn’t stop. As many students learn from him, he learns from students as well. He values student perspectives as much as his own, and uses these viewpoints to “help be a better person and assistant principal by the things you all can teach that relate to [students] directly.” Some of these things include the slang used today, and though some are questionable, he still enjoys learning what students like. 

Mr. McMillan is a man of good character with experience in various fields that allows him to be a great assistant principal who supports all of the students and staff he encounters. Regardless of what role he plays inside and outside of the school system, he does all he can to make a positive impact on everyone. We are excited to see the great things he will accomplish at OM! You can usually catch him around the halls of OM, so if you see him, make sure to welcome him hOMe.