Alumni
Giving Through Muskingum: Matt Dansby ‘05
When you give through Muskingum, you can change the world!
Matt Dansby ’05 is the building principal of Tussing Elementary School in the Columbus-area Pickerington Local School District. He began his career as a second-grade teacher in Pickerington’s Fairfield Elementary School, became an Assistant Principal at Tussing – where he was honored with the 2014-2015 State of Ohio Assistant Principal of the Year Award – and has served as Tussing’s Principal since 2015.
“I knew when I was in the 5th grade that I wanted to become a teacher,” Matt recalls. “When I started my career in the classroom, I was drawn to those students who were struggling and needed additional help. When I began my administrative career, I found that I could have an impact on an even larger group of students and learn together with our teachers to improve what happens every day in all of our classrooms. My building is the most diverse elementary in our district, with more than 65% of our students on free or reduced lunch programs, and we work every day to provide extra support that our students and families may need.”
“I would not have been able to attend Muskingum without the scholarships and grants I received from the University. I am so grateful for those who supported Muskingum. They made my education possible and enabled me to have a rewarding career educating others and opening opportunities for them. I am living proof of the value of investing in Muskingum.”
“I immediately felt at home at Muskingum, even though it was more than triple the size of the high school I attended. Faculty and staff knew who I was and were looking out for me, and the atmosphere of the ‘Muskie Hello’ helped me quickly connect and build friendships with fellow students.”
Matt earned his Muskingum Bachelor of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education with a minor in psychology. He is currently completing a master’s degree in educational administration at the University of Dayton.
During his time on campus, Matt was a member of the varsity basketball team. “Being a member of the basketball team was a fantastic experience. I learned so much more beyond the sport, because of the relationships that I had with my coaches and teammates, and through our team’s volunteer work within the community,” Matt remembers. “Basketball is in my DNA and I remain active in the sport by coaching AAU teams.”
Matt and his wife Kristy Eigel ’05 reside in Pickerington and are the parents of Kamryn (14) and Kooper (2). “We are very proud to be Muskies,” Matt notes, “and if you visit my office, the first things you will see are a Muskingum flag and a wooden carved Muskie mascot.”
