About Us

Dr. Danielle Rutig 

Dr. Rutig has been proud to call Central High School home since 2019. After serving Central for 4 years as an Assistant Principal, she was named Executive Principal in 2023. 

Before joining KCS, she began her education career as an elementary teacher in Florida in 2005. After moving to Tennessee with her family, she continued in the classroom serving in Anderson County Schools for eight years.  In 2015, she stepped into school leadership as an Assistant Principal at Norwood Middle School and, the following year, was selected for the Leadership Academy. She then served three years as assistant principal at Clinton Middle College and Career Academy, partnering with families and staff to support student success.

A lifelong learner, Dr. Rutig earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Florida State University; a master’s and an Education Specialist degree in Education Administration and Policy from the University of Tennessee; and a doctorate in Educational Leadership from East Tennessee State University. She brings that spirit of learning along with a warm, steady presence to the Central community each day. 

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Amanda Cagle 

Health and Life Sciences Academy Principal

Amanda Cagle has proudly called Central High School home since 2020. After serving Knox County Schools for more than two decades, she continues to bring her dedication to student success and instructional leadership to the Central community as an Assistant Principal.

Originally from out of state, Mrs. Cagle moved to Tennessee in 1998 to attend the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology with a minor in Secondary Education. She went on to complete a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Tennessee in 2002 and an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in Administration and Supervision from Lincoln Memorial University in 2005.

Mrs. Cagle began her career in Knox County Schools in 2004 as a Biology teacher at Central High School. In 2010, she stepped into school leadership as a shared Assistant Principal between Gresham Middle and Northwest Middle. The following year, she continued her administrative journey as an Assistant Principal at Northwest Middle, where she served until 2016. She then joined South-Doyle Middle School as an Assistant Principal, serving there until 2020 when she returned to Central High School to assume her current role.

With a passion for supporting teachers, students, and families, Mrs. Cagle brings a strong instructional background and a warm, consistent leadership style to Central each day. 

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Jeff Black

Modern Industry and Design Academy Principal

Jeff Black is serving in his second year as an Assistant Principal at Central High School, where he leads the Modern Industry and Technology Academy. In this role, he partners with students in grades 10–12 and their families to help guide them toward their next endeavor, whether that be college, trade and vocational programs, or directly entering the workforce.

Mr. Black began his education career in 1994 at Powell High School, where he taught drafting, technology, and engineering, and coached football. He later taught at Richard Yoakley School and then at Carter Middle School, while also coaching football and track at Carter High School. After a brief time at Whittle Springs Middle School, he moved on to Hardin Valley Academy.

Mr. Black transitioned into administration in 2017 at Vine Middle school, followed by administrative roles at Hardin Valley Middle School in 2019 and Austin-East Magnet High School in 2021. He became a proud Central Bobcat in 2024.

Mr. Black holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Tennessee, a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction, and an Educational Specialist Degree in Administration and Supervision, both from Lincoln Memorial University.

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Colin Keihlmeier

Business and Design Academy Principal

Colin Kiehlmeier is an Assistant Principal at Central High School in Knoxville, Tennessee. After moving to Knoxville in 2018, he began his career in education as a Special Education teacher, where he developed a passion for supporting diverse learners and fostering academic success for all students. In 2022, he joined Central High School’s administrative team, continuing his commitment to creating a positive and engaging learning environment.

Mr. Kiehlmeier holds a Bachelor’s degree in Exceptional Student Education from the University of South Florida, a Master’s degree in Instructional Leadership from Lincoln Memorial University, and an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Lincoln Memorial University.

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Caitlin Nowell

Freshman Academy Principal

Caitlin Nowell is proud to call Central High School home as of 2025. She serves as the Freshman Principal, partnering with ninth-grade students and families to ensure a strong start to high school and a seamless transition into the Bobcat community.

Before joining KCS, Mrs. Nowell began her education career in 2012 teaching at Cameron Middle School in Metro Nashville Public Schools. In 2014, she moved to Memphis and taught at E.E. Jeter K–8 in Shelby County Schools. When her family made Knoxville home in 2016, she joined Knox County Schools, teaching at South-Doyle Middle for four years before serving as an instructional coach at Powell Middle.

Mrs. Nowell holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Tennessee, a master’s degree in Instructional Practices from Lipscomb University, and an Ed.S. in Instructional Leadership from Lincoln Memorial University. She is currently pursuing a doctorate in Instructional Leadership and Strategic Change at Lipscomb University, bringing that spirit of continuous growth to Central each day to support rigorous instruction and student success. 

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Ben Collins

Athletic Director

For more than 17 years, Benjamin Collins has served in education. Currently, he is the athletic director at Central High School in Knox County. He earned his Certified Athletic Director (CAA) certificate in 2024.

He has previously served as head basketball coach at Central High School in Knox County and as an assistant coach for both boys and girls basketball, volleyball, and softball in Southwest Virginia at Haysi High School.

Benjamin Collins is a board member of the Tennessee Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (TIAAA), serving as the Region 2 representative and secretary. He is also a member of the National Interscholastic Athletic Directors Association (NIAAA)  and is part of the 2025 NIAAA Mentor’s Cohort. Collins is an Emory & Henry University graduate and lives in Fountain City with his wife and two children. 

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