This Principals Appreciation Month, Hamilton County Schools (HCS) proudly recognizes Brent Eller, principal of East Hamilton High School (EHHS). With 28 years of service in HCS, Eller has dedicated his career to supporting students, teachers, and families through steady, servant-minded leadership.
After earning his Bachelor’s in Secondary Education from UT Chattanooga and his Master’s in Administrative Leadership and Instruction from Tennessee Tech, Eller began his journey with HCS as a history teacher and basketball coach at Howard High School. He later served as an assistant principal at East Ridge Middle, Brown Middle, and Loftis Middle before stepping into principal roles at Ooltewah Middle and Loftis Middle. For the past eight years, Eller has led East Hamilton High School, where his leadership continues to shape both the school and the wider community.
At EHHS, Eller has worked to expand opportunities for students inside and outside the classroom. Now in its fourth year, Eller helped launch the school’s JROTC program, which has been “an incredible addition. The program has just been exploding.” He has also overseen major facility improvements, including turf fields, upgraded lighting, and a new amphitheater. Academically, East Hamilton continues to shine with consistent growth, the region’s only AP Capstone program, and a graduating class last year that earned more than $66 million in scholarships. “This community embraces education as a priority,” Eller said. “We have that academic focus, and we like to have fun outside of school, too. It’s a great balance.”
“This role brings about incredible opportunities,” Eller said.
“I get to really be that servant leader. The kids take the tests and the teachers teach the lessons. My job is to support them with every resource they need to be successful.”
Known for his mix of structure, accountability, and personability, Eller strives to build strong relationships with students and staff. “There’s always a time to be structured, all business and focus. But that’s better received when you’ve built the relationships and you provide the trust in people. Trust in students, in your faculty, in the parents, and in the community,” he said. He also takes pride in the diversity of the Hurricane community, “We come together in this building and function with an appreciation for each other, and I love being part of that.”
Eller believes showing up matters. “When kids see you there, they know you care,” he said. From fine arts performances and athletics to Homecoming and prom, he makes it a priority to celebrate students’ milestones alongside them. “I think it’s important for the kids to see you there, but also, I want to be there. I want to be there with them and see their successes and be a part of what’s going on.”
As we celebrate Principal’s Appreciation Month, we are proud to recognize Principal Brent Eller’s commitment, leadership, and heart. Thank you for all you do!
