Plymouth Educational Center - Administrators Bio

Dr. Kilgore is a native Detroiter who has dedicated his life to uplifting youth, especially African-American males.

A graduate of Fitzgerald Elementary School, Post Middle School and Cass Technical High School, Dr. Kilgore is a proud product of the Detroit Public Schools system. During his years at Cass Tech, Dr. Kilgore excelled in academics while still finding time to help those less fortunate. Whether it was working with the youth at church, delivering meals for Meals on Wheels, or helping the elderly in the neighborhood with snow removal and lawn cutting – free of charge – Dr. Kilgore has always been one who has been there for others.

Upon graduation from Cass Tech, Dr. Kilgore attended The University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. After receiving his bachelor’s degree, Dr. Kilgore enrolled in law school at the University of Maryland. However, after a clerkship with the UAW Legal Department, Dr. Kilgore decided that law was not his passion. In spite of the naysayers, Dr. Kilgore dropped everything and enrolled in the College of Education at Wayne State University. Immediately, Dr. Kilgore knew that he had found his calling. Dr. Kilgore went on to receive his teacher certification and Master’s degree from Wayne State University. Dr. Kilgore also earned his Ph.D. in K-12 Educational Leadership from Walden University.

As teacher, athletic director and later assistant principal at Wayne State University Public School, Dr. Kilgore had a significant positive impact on the lives of the youth which he encountered. By piloting programs such as a physical education curriculum, male mentors club, a full co-ed sports program and a wrap around student support service program, everyone knew that Mr. Kilgore had the qualities of a great leader.

As a result of his accomplishments at University Public School, Dr. Kilgore was offered the principalship at Plymouth Educational Center. At 29 years of age, Dr. Kilgore became one of the youngest school principals in the state of Michigan. With the help of a supportive board and superintendent, Dr. Kilgore helped transform PEC into a superb educational institution. During his tenure as Principal, Dr. Kilgore effectively managed the school's growth from 150 students in grades K-4 to over 800 in grades K-8. After serving as Principal for five years, Dr. Kilgore was unanimously selected by the Board of Directors to fill his current role as Superintendent.

During his years in administration, Dr. Kilgore has developed numerous partnerships with community organizations and businesses; written several successful proposals for school programs totaling over two million dollars and helped numerous students locate summer employment. Dr. Kilgore has also received numerous community awards and has presented at several local and national educational conferences.

Dr. Kilgore is also involved in other community endeavors some of which include: Metro Education Foundation – President; appointed special director to the City of Detroit Economic Development Corporation (Federal Reserve Bank Project); appointed to serve as a member of Wayne County Juvenile Detention Advisory Board; and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. – Member. However, in spite of his numerous endeavors, Dr. Kilgore still finds time to serve as a minister at his church, spend time with his lovely wife and two children and mentor students in and around the City of Detroit.