Staff Spotlight: Mike Stroup - campus supervisor at Lincoln Southwest High School

March 20, 2026

Every week, we shine a spotlight on one Lincoln Public Schools staff member! This week, meet Mike Stroup, campus supervisor at Lincoln Southwest High School.

“Mike Stroup is one of the security staff at LSW. He is also an author - a fact which several of my English 10 students picked up on during their positive discussions with him. Mike graciously agreed to be a guest speaker in my English 10 class about how he wrote and published books while also holding down a full-time position in the electrical industry. He shared inspirational stories of his time at LPS elementary, middle and high schools when he was younger, and he shared his positive mindset with my tenth grade students. Students really benefited from him taking 10 minutes to visit with my class.” - Erika Bruening, English teacher, Lincoln Southwest High School.

In a few sentences, briefly describe your role at LPS.
My official position is campus supervisor at Lincoln Southwest High School, but I also describe my role as mentorship to several young people who attend LSW.

How long have you worked for LPS?
Since August of 2025.

What inspired you to become part of the education field at LPS?
My desire to mentor the next generation – to instill confidence, determination and life skills that will hopefully benefit them as they go further in life.

What has been your favorite part of working here? What aspect of your job do you find most rewarding?
The interaction with the students and staff. The opportunity to offer a positive light to all.

In one word, what makes you proud to work for LPS?
Perseverance.

Did you attend LPS as a student? If so, which school(s)? If not, where are you from?
Yes, Prescott, Irving (one year), Lefler and Lincoln High School.

What path did you take after completing your formal education?
I attended University of Nebraska night courses and Southeast Community College night courses. I did not achieve a degree. My first full-time position was as a custodian at a textile laundry. I worked up the ranks to production foreman by the time I left in 1989. I then began a career that lasted 35 years in electrical distribution sales for two companies. During my career, through sales, I forged relationships, helped guide company operations, and established programs and divisions at Echo Electric Supply. I was most proud of the young lives I mentored in the last ten years of my career. I guided several young people in this industry helping them further their careers. And in some cases, I helped them challenge themselves by seeing something in themselves that they didn't know they had. I am very proud that these young people are still in the industry. In many cases, successfully moving forward in their personal and professional lives. I was their work dad, their mentor in business and life. It is a skill and caring that I want to use to help high school students on a daily basis. 

Being at Lincoln Southwest High School feels like it was something I was always meant to do. I feel fate has brought me to LSW. It is my mission to first protect my LSW family. Every day, I greet hundreds of young people and am the first person they see at LSW. I greet them with a good morning and a smile. I want their day to start on a positive note. Then I want to help them in any way I can to achieve goals, good grades, and be prepared for the next phase of their lives through my lifetime of experience and hopefully wisdom. You cannot press them. The students in a way will let you take them in a direction they want to go. That's the opening you cannot miss. I also work with tremendous professionals and heroes every day at LSW.

What do you enjoy most about the Lincoln community?
How we treat people overall. The Lincoln community is also a very welcoming community. There is a place in Lincoln for everyone who wants to be part of it.

What is your favorite childhood book or a book that has influenced your life positively?
“The Call of the Wild” by Jack London.

Share a shout out to a former teacher who impacted your life.
Without a doubt, Florence Schlegelmilch. She was my mom away from home. I had the pleasure of her teaching for fourth, fifth and sixth grade at Prescott. We are still in touch today. I am not afraid to say I love her. And so much appreciate her for being my safe haven during a very turbulent time in my life. I was always safe and nurtured in her class. In three years of looping at Prescott, she only had one student leave. I had a bunch of brothers and sisters at Prescott. And one fantastic mother in her there. I will forever be grateful for having Florence Schlegelmilch in my life. Second, Myles Dymacek and Ross Tegeler. They helped me discover my interest in history, government, and politics. Great men and women! I want to honor them all by building a new legacy of my own with LPS at LSW.

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