By Kyle Roberts
RUSTON — Ruston High School has named Teri Howe as its next principal, Lincoln Parish Superintendent Ricky Durrett announced Thursday.
Howe, a Shreveport native with 28 years of experience in education, will replace longtime principal Dan Gressett. Durrett said the hire followed a weeklong interview process.
“We’re really excited to be able to hire someone with the background that she has and the knowledge she’ll bring to Ruston High School,” Durrett said. “Just the experience she’s been through will help Ruston High, which is already in a great place, continue to grow and get even better.”
Howe currently serves as human resources director for Bossier Parish Schools. She previously spent a decade at Benton High School, including seven years as principal from 2017 to 2023, where she oversaw construction of a new $52-million campus. Her educational and leadership background includes various roles in both Caddo and Bossier parishes.
“I bring lots of experience, lots of energy,” Howe said. “I’m excited to be in Ruston and be a Bearcat.”
Her ties to Ruston run deeper than her new role. Her husband, Richard “Chauncey” Howe, is a 1994 graduate of Ruston High, and their son will enroll as a freshman this fall.
“We are so excited to get back to Ruston,” Howe said. “(Our son) was born a Bearcat, according to his daddy, and we’re excited to get him to be one officially.”
The faculty and staff at Ruston High were informed on Thursday afternoon.
Howe is expected to begin her new role May 4, according to Durrett.
