Kirk is a Triple Dawg, earning three degrees from the University of Georgia—a Bachelor of Science in Education, a Master of Public Administration in Policy Analysis, and a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership. Prior to that, he earned his Associate of Science in Education from Young Harris College. He also holds a certificate in Educational Leadership from the University of Georgia and is a Certified Public Manager® through the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Leadership Institute.

Dr. Shook is a member of the Rotary Club of Oconee County, the Touchdown Club of Athens, the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation, the Georgia Historical Society, the National Certified Public Manager Consortium, and the American Academy of Certified Public Managers. He volunteers with the United Way of Northeast Georgia, and has served as a mentor through the UGA Alumni Association and through the UGA Master of Public Administration program. He serves as Vice Chairman of the Oconee County Board of Elections and treasurer of his homeowner’s association.

Kirk and his wife, Miriam, have been foster parents to two beautiful girls since 2021. The four of them live in Bogart with their dogs, Lucy and Libby. Miriam is an Instructional Technology Specialist in Oconee County Schools. They are University of Georgia athletics season ticket holders for football, men’s basketball, and gymnastics. They enjoy going to concerts, working in their church, hiking, playing with their puppies, and going on adventures with their foster children. They are members of Oconee Fellowship (PCA) in Watkinsville.