Ironton High School has a new principal, and if the confines of his new job assignmentlook a bit familiar to Joe Rowe, who can blame him? Rowe graduated from IHS in 1986. Rowe, a health teacher in the Dawson-Bryant system for the last four years, will take the seat left vacant when former principal Dean Nance became school superintendent.

Rowe graduated from Ashland University in 1990.

He was a member of the Ashland University football team.

He received his masters degree from the University of Dayton ' in 1993 where he was a graduate teaching assistant and graduate football coach.

He taught in the Mansfield City Schools from 1993 to 1998 before taking the job at Dawson-Bryant High School..

"He is very dedicated to continuing the tradition of academic/athletic and extra-curricular excellence at Ironton High School," Nance said in a prepared statement released Wednesday afternoon. "The community of Ironton is very fortunate to have Mr. Joe Rowe as Principal of Ironton High School.

He possesses the personal and professional qualities necessary to lead Ironton High into the future.

His enthusiasm, work ethic and dedication are unmatched.

His desire to see the children of our system succeed is very evident."

Rowe said he was humbled by his selection. "This is the position that I have been preparing for throughout my professional career. I consider this the most prestigious position in the state.

This is enabling me to give back to the very system that provided me the foundation of my quality education.

I am able to return home and give back to the community of Ironton."

Rowe and his wife, the former Krissy Modic, have two children, Chase, 4, and Peighton, 2.