“I wasn’t supposed to be here.”
That’s how Bullitt East High School Principal Nate Fulghum describes his path to education, a path that’s now brought him to the end of one chapter and the start of another.
“If you had told me when I was a teenager that I would one day be a teacher, coach, or principal, I would have laughed in your face,” Fulghum said. “I was not the kid who wanted to be a teacher. But I was called to do this. Life led me here.”
Fulghum, who has served Bullitt East as a teacher, coach, assistant principal, and principal, is moving into a district-wide role as Title IX Compliance Coordinator. Before he leaves, he’s reflected on the experiences, memories, and lessons that have shaped both him and the school community he’s helped lead.
“From the minute I was hired at Bullitt East, I knew I belonged here, and the most rewarding thing for me is truly the impact I’ve gotten to have on this place — on its culture, its students, and its opportunities.”
That impact stretches beyond his years in administration. As a coach, Fulghum transformed the school’s cheerleading program into a national contender. “When we started, it wasn’t what it is now,” he said. “Watching them perform and knowing I helped build that, it’s a legacy I’m proud of.” But beyond trophies and banners, Fulghum cherishes the unseen victories. “Students I never thought I’d impacted reached out later saying I was their best teacher, or that I had a hard conversation with them when they needed it. Those are the things that stick with you,” Fulghum said.
As he prepares to step away from his principal role, Fulghum says it’s the people he’ll miss most. “It’s not the work — it’s who I’m doing it with,” he said. “I’ll miss the students, the staff, my leadership team. I’ll miss this community.”
Though not a native of Mount Washington, Fulghum quickly found a home here. “I wasn’t from here. But this community adopted me, and I poured myself into it in return. I love this place,” he said. “Being an educator isn’t easy. But when you love who you’re doing it with, it’s incredibly fulfilling.”
His new position may sound technical, but Fulghum sees it as an opportunity to extend his passion for leadership and mentorship across the district. “The title doesn’t sound exciting, but the role will be,” he said. “I’m passionate about coaching people, helping people, and investigating things to get to the truth and guide others through it,” Fulghum said.
Having led the district’s largest high school, Fulghum is eager to support leaders at every level, especially those in smaller schools. “I’ve had the privilege of running the largest school in the district. Now I can help leaders at every level, especially those who may not have the same support system,” he said. “My goal is to keep our schools strong by developing strong leaders.”
As he prepares to hand the reins to a new principal, Fulghum offers clear advice: respect the culture, empower the people, and ask for help when needed. “First, learn this place. If you’re not from here, understand what makes it special before trying to change anything,” he said. “Second, build on the capacity of leaders already here. You can’t do this alone, you have to empower others,” Fulghum said.
He also encourages leaning on the district’s support network. “There are many people here who want to see you succeed, you just have to reach out,” Fulghum said.
His message to students and staff is equally direct: take ownership and take pride. “This is your school,” he said. “Take ownership of it. The more you pour into it, the better it will be — and the better you’ll be for it.”
Fulghum also hopes students will one day appreciate what makes the community so unique. “When I was younger, I met people from Mount Washington and couldn’t understand why they loved it so much. Now I get it. And one day, when you leave and talk to people from other places, you’ll get it too. This place is special,” Fulghum said.
Choosing a favorite memory isn’t easy, but Fulghum says one moment stands out. “Personally, my favorite moment was when our cheerleading squad won Nationals for the first time,” he said. “Seeing the vision I had in my head come to life, that was incredibly special.”
Of course, there are countless other memories, from the football team’s state championship to quiet moments of connection with students and staff.
“Being principal of this school is the hardest thing I’ve ever done — and the most gratifying,” Fulghum said. “I hope I’ve been a blessing to this place, because it has certainly been a blessing to me.”
