Shead grew up in Westminster, California, as the oldest of three siblings where he was heavily influenced by television and movies. 

“It started with audio on a toy device I had called a Talkboy,” said Shead, “but it quickly developed into a passion for film thanks to a tradition with our extended family that we called Family Follies.” 

Shead’s family would often create and share home videos when they got together during the holidays as a way to poke fun at one another. He always took part in the process, eventually leading to a more technical role. 

“I started the process of using one VCR as a source and another as record. I was totally unaware that moment would eventually lead to a career in video editing,” said Shead.  

Shead’s family moved to St. Louis, Missouri, in 1998, just in time for them to witness Mark McGuire win a home run race for the St. Louis Cardinals and then the St. Louis Rams win a Super Bowl championship.  

“I became infatuated with St. Louis sports and had an emotional attachment to every pitch and every pass,” said Shead.  

When it was time to select a college, Shead says where to go was an easy decision. 

“I knew after one visit to Southeast,” said Shead. “I met Professor Fred Jones and Dr. Jim Dufek who had a huge impact on what would eventually be my career in video production.”  

Shead graduated from Southeast in 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in television and film. He didn’t have to wait long for his dream job to come calling, combining his love of television and video with his passion for St. Louis sports. 

“In September 2009, I received a call from the St. Louis Cardinals with an unbelievable opportunity. They hired me as a video editor under the direction of Tony Simokaitis and Craig Wilson,” said Shead. 

Three years later, he would meet the woman who would become his wife, also a fellow Southeast alumnus.  

“I met Alyson in Cape Girardeau, and then we re-met in St. Louis. On July 26, 2014, we were married and not long after that had our son Leo, with our daughter Jane following close behind,” said Shead.  

Shead received the National Golden Matrix Award for the production of “Some Nights You Win the Word Series” as well as multiple American Advertising Awards. In 2022, he was named the manager of content and advertising production for the Cardinals.  

Shead was honored at the University’s annual Copper Dome Society and Merit Award Dinner on October 28 during Homecoming weekend. The Copper Dome Society recognizes donors to the University of $250 or more annually. It is their continued support that enables students to receive scholarships, the best in classroom technology and the experiences outside the classroom that are so important in today's society.