Nebo Administrative Appointments -- Business Administrator and Director of Secondary Education

Michael Harrison – Business Administrator
With Tracy Olsen retiring in June, the Nebo Board of Education appointed Michael Harrison as the Business Administrator for Nebo School District. 

Mr. Harrison graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting as well as his master’s degree in Accountancy both from Utah State University. He has been a Certified public accountant since 2001. 

Mr. Harrison has served as the Assistant Business Administrator for 18 years and is an integral part of the external and internal financial and budget reports in Nebo School District. 

A colleague said, “Michael is extremely efficient and accurate in all his financial dealings. Michael pursues excellence in whatever he pursues. He is constantly looking for ways to improve Nebo’s financial situation of schools and the district. Michael can also be a lot of fun with his fun sense of humor and congenial personality. He is one of those rare individuals has a positive effect one everyone he encounters. Most importantly, Michael has a keen sense of character, honesty, knowledge, and work ethic.”

Michael said, “I feel a special connection to Nebo School District as it has been my home for my entire lifetime. I attended Rees Elementary, Brockbank Elementary, Spanish Fork Intermediate, Spanish Fork Junior High, and graduated from Spanish Fork High School. My wife, siblings, parents, in-laws, grandparents, and two of my three children are also graduates of Spanish Fork High School, with my youngest child set to graduate next May. My family and I love our community and love Nebo School District. I’ve found good people at every school I’ve been involved with as a student, parent, and employee. I learned early on that the Nebo District’s strength lies in its people and leaders who are in a constant effort to achieve excellence while focusing on students.”

“The biggest influence in my professional career has been Tracy Olsen. Tracy and I have worked well together over the past 18 years. He has been a great mentor, example, confidant, and friend to me; and I really look up to him. He cares so much about not only Nebo School District but about education statewide. Tracy is well known and respected throughout the school finance community. He loves his family and enjoys nothing more than being with his wife, children, and grandchildren,” stated Mr. Harrison.

Michael enjoys spending time with his family playing pickleball, golfing, and yard work. He is married to Lori, and they have three children.

Dr. RaShel Shepherd – Director of Secondary Education
With Ann Anderson retiring in June, the Nebo Board of Education appointed Dr. RaShel Shepherd as the Director of Secondary Education for Nebo School District. 

Dr. Shepherd graduated from Brigham Young University with a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics Education, her master’s degree from University of Phoenix is in Educational Counseling, and her doctorate degree in Educational Leadership from Brigham Young University.

Dr. RaShel Shepherd has served as the Principal of Payson High for the past three years. She also served as the Principal of Mapleton Junior for five years, as Assistant Principal of Maple Mountain for three years, and Principal of Spanish Oaks Elementary for eight years. She started her teaching career in mathematics at Spanish Fork Junior for one year and then at Spanish Fork High for four years. Dr. Shepherd then became a counselor for Brockbank, Barnett, and Park View Elementary schools as well as Springville High.

Dr. Shepherd was honored with the Secondary Crystal Owl Award in 2019. She was recognized by the Utah Association of Elementary School Principals as Instructional Leader of the Year in 2007. In 1999, Springville’s PTA awarded her as the Counselor of the Year. Students at Spanish Fork High selected Dr. Shepherd as the Teacher of the Year in 1994.

A colleague said, “Dr. Shepherd has a high degree of personal knowledge about the educational process and the needs of students. RaShel genuinely cares about the people she works with and works hard to create positive relationships with students, parents, and staff. RaShel celebrates and supports others and does a great job interacting with people - whether it is colleagues, staff, parents, or students. She can effectively communicate and show a genuine interest in others' well-being. RaShel is positive and looks for ways to solve difficult issues.”

RaShel’s motto is: “Always stay humble and kind,” because “Kindness has the power to change the world,” so “Have the courage to be kind.”

She stated, “I have so much gratitude for every student, teacher, administrator, and mentor that I have had the privilege to work with. Their influence has brought so much joy and fulfillment to my life. I am passionate about education and the positive difference it makes in all of our lives. Education provides us with the power to change the world.”

RaShel coached city recreation programs and was involved in city clean-ups, 4-H, and high school rodeo. She enjoys riding horses, hiking, skiing, running, boating, wake-surfing, camping, and ATV riding. She is married to Trent and has six children and four step-children.                        

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