Craig Hefner, Ph.D.
Head of School
Dr. Craig Hefner has a Ph.D. in systematic theology from Wheaton College, an M.Div. from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and a B.A. in pre-seminary with a minor in Greek from Cedarville University. Prior to coming to Covenant, Craig taught at the collegiate level and worked in church and campus ministries. He lives in Huntington with his wife, Rachel, who is an occupational therapist and a family/newborn photographer. In his free-time, Craig enjoys reading great books, CrossFit, playing piano, and walking his dog. Email Dr. Hefner.
Rebekah Shaffer
Lower School Principal
Rebekah Shaffer received her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Pensacola Christian College. Mrs. Shaffer taught at the Pensacola Christian Academy for four years before deciding to stay home with her two children, Grace and Luke. After moving back home to Huntington, she and her husband, Jeremy, the Executive Pastor at Lewis Memorial Baptist Church, enrolled their children at Covenant School, where she began working part-time in 2012. She now serves full-time as Kindergarten Teacher and Lower School Principal. Rebekah believes that every day is a gift, and she hopes to radiate joy in her life and work (Psalm 34:5). Outside of the classroom, Mrs. Shaffer enjoys gardening, antiquing, crafting, and leading the children’s ministry at Lewis Memorial Baptist Church. Email Mrs. Shaffer.
Shane Artrip
Upper School Academic Advisor
Mrs. Shane Artrip teaches secondary math, science, and grammar Latin. Mrs. Artrip holds a Bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Texas State University and a Master’s degree in mathematics from Marshall University. She has taught for 30 years at varying levels from grammar school through university. She and her husband, Jim, attend Rock Branch Independent Church where she serves as the choir director and as an assistant in children’s music ministry. They have three grown children and two grandchildren. Mrs. Artrip served as Covenant’s Headmaster for 5 years and currently serves as Secondary Academic Advisor. Email Mrs. Artrip.
Melody McSweeney
Administrative Assistant
Melody McSweeney joined the staff of Covenant in 1998 and currently serves as the administrative assistant to the Head of School. Her greatest joy working here is the “family” atmosphere she has enjoyed with teachers and families over the years. She is the wife of Nazarene minister Danny McSweeney. Married for 45 years, they have raised three sons and ministered through preaching and singing throughout their time together. Email Mrs. McSweeney.
Wayne Harrison, Ph.D.
Business Manager
Prior to entering the ministry, Dr. Wayne Harrison owned a medical supplies business in Scott Depot. A graduate of West Virginia State College (now university), he earned his Ph.D. in religion at Covington Theological Seminary in Rossville, Georgia. Since receiving the call to ministry, Dr. Harrison has been a Christian school teacher and director, prison minister, and missionary. He and his wife, Ruby, have been married for 53 years and have three daughters, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. “I truly believe teaching is a calling,” he says. “By working together, we can help shape the next generation into successful, God-honoring adults.” Email Dr. Harrison.
Franklin Norton
Director of Marketing & Communication
Franklin Norton has a Bachelor of Arts in Advertising and Public Relations with a minor in Psychology from Marshall University. He previously worked on the communication teams for the Huntington Mayor’s Office, the Huntington-Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Marshall Artists Series, and Marshall University, where he also served as Managing Editor of the university newspaper. He works to tell the Covenant School story both truthfully and beautifully, while cultivating meaningful connections within the school community and establishing strong partnerships locally. Mr. Norton is a member of Redemption Church and a leader with the Greater Huntington Young Life ministry. He is an avid reader, writer, and runner. Email Mr. Norton.