By: Frank C. D’Amico
UPPER FREEHOLD – When he retired from the Marine Corps in 1994, Rodney Logan was ready for a new challenge.
He found that challenge in education.
Mr. Logan on Friday will start as a vice principal at Allentown High School. He will join Constance Embley as a vice principal at the school.
"I’m anxiously awaiting the first day of school," Mr. Logan said.
Stepping in as a vice principal long has been an ambition for Mr. Logan.
"It’s something I’ve looked forward to for a long time," he said.
Mr. Logan replaces Monica Taylor, who resigned last month to become principal of the Wanaque School in Wanaque. Ms. Taylor joined the district two years ago as a vice principal.
Christopher Nagy, principal of Allentown High School, said it was "of great importance to have the vice principal in place" by the beginning of school, Sept. 7.
A former captain in the Marines, Mr. Logan retired in 1994. He had spent 23 years there and joined "right out of high school."
Originally from Iowa, Mr. Logan’s armed forces career winded down as he was stationed in West Trenton.
He taught physical education and ran the ROTC program at Rahway High School for five years. Then he spent 16 months working for the state in juvenile correction education.
Mr. Logan worked as an instructor in the Marine Corps, and that was a determining factor in his future employment.
"My experience at Rahway High School was pretty motivating," Mr. Logan said.
The Hamilton resident is close to completing a doctorate in educational administration from Seton Hall University.
"I’ve been working on it since 1994 and I should be done with it next month or October," he said.
Mr. Logan has a master’s degree from Rider University.
"The best way to know your profession is to get more education in it," he said.
