Lt Col Ecklebe has been hired as the TRIAD AFJROTC Senior Aerospace Science Instructor for the 2026-2027 school year.
Knob Noster Public Schools is pleased to announce Lieutenant Colonel Shelley Ecklebe has been hired as the TRIAD AFJROTC Senior Aerospace Science Instructor (SASI) for the 2026-2027 school year.
Ecklebe is a reservist in the United States Air Force and currently works for the Director of Admissions at the United States Air Force Academy. Lt Col Ecklebe graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in 2009 and entered the Air Force as an active-duty logistics readiness officer. Throughout her career, she has supported various headquarters, wing, and squadron-level assignments, leading multifaceted logistics sustainment operations for multiple bomber and fighter airframes.
“I'm excited to be a part of the Knob Noster School District and help students develop leadership, confidence, and purpose,” Lt Col Ecklebe said. “I'm proud to serve in a community with such a strong connection to Team Whiteman and a shared commitment to leadership and service.”
Lt Col Ecklebe has also deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, working with joint and coalition partners. In her previous assignment, she served as Chief of Public Affairs for the 442d Fighter Wing at Whiteman Air Force Base, where she led strategic communications, media relations, and community engagement efforts for the wing's 24 A-10s.
Superintendent Dr. Jerrod Wheeler said Ecklebe’s background and experience make her well suited to lead the Knob Noster High School TRIAD Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps.
“Lt. Col Ecklebe brings not only the credentials to continue leading this fantastic program, but also brings with her first-hand knowledge and a network of partnerships associated with her work at Whiteman Air Force Base. We look forward to her influence as we transition this program into its prominent home at our new KNHS campus. We look forward to the continued growth and high performance of this program under her leadership.”
As the Senior Aerospace Science Instructor at Knob Noster High School, Ecklebe will oversee over 130 cadets enrolled in the program from Knob Noster, Warrensburg, and LaMonte.
Ecklebe will replace Major (ret) William Triplett who is retiring at the end of the 2025-2026 school year. He has served as the SASI at Knob Noster High School since 2024.
Lt Col Ecklebe will officially begin her duties in the Knob Noster School District on July 1, 2026.