Dr. Kirkpatrick began his career in education in 1990 as an athletic trainer and teacher in Fort Worth ISD, where he served through 1998. He spent 16 years with White Settlement ISD, as an athletic trainer and teacher for five years before moving into campus administration as an assistant principal. In his last seven years in the district, he served as an elementary school principal.

He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Texas Christian University. His Master’s in Education degree and Doctorate of Educational Leadership are from Tarleton State University.

The Kirkpatrick’s have two children, and two grandchildren, Claire and Charlotte, ages 8 and 2. Their son, Callaway, and his wife, Natalie, are educators and coaches with Burleson ISD. Their daughter, Kadyn, is in the medical field.