Barber, educator and school founder Kenneth Shuler has passed away aged 85, leaving a legacy of mentorship and opportunity that helped generations of beauty professionals build their careers.
Michael Kenneth Shuler, founder of Kenneth Shuler School of Cosmetology, passed away on October 11, 2026. His career spanned more than six decades, taking him from barbering to leading an eight-campus education network alongside his wife Angie.
Born in Holly Hill, South Carolina, Kenneth entered the industry in 1959. In 1968, he acquired Capitol Barber College and established Kenneth Shuler School of Men’s Hairstyling, which later became Kenneth Shuler School of Cosmetology. His schools would help shape the careers of thousands of barbering and beauty professionals across the Southeast.
Remembering his contribution, Tonya Hanna, Director of Education at American Crew, reflected on the breadth of his influence.
“Mr. Shuler helped shape the beauty industry with a lifelong commitment to education, mentorship, and opportunity,” Tonya said. “From his beginnings as a barber to building Kenneth Shuler School of Cosmetology, he championed an approach to education that went beyond technical skills, preparing beauty professionals with the confidence, business knowledge, and hands-on experience needed to build successful careers.”
Tonya also recalled his personal impact on her career, explaining that Kenneth Shuler was the largest American Crew Partner School during her time running that division of the company.
“He leaves a legacy of generations of professionals and educators who continue to carry his influence throughout the beauty industry,” she said.
Kenneth’s commitment extended to national leadership, including three consecutive terms as president of the National Association of Barber Schools. His contributions were recognized with South Carolina’s Order of the Palmetto in 2014 and the national N.F. Cimaglia Award in 2018.
BarberEVO extends its condolences to Kenneth’s family, friends, colleagues and the many students whose lives he helped shape.Barber, educator and school founder Kenneth Shuler has passed away aged 85, leaving a legacy of mentorship and opportunity that helped generations of beauty professionals build their careers.
Michael Kenneth Shuler, founder of Kenneth Shuler School of Cosmetology, passed away on October 11, 2026. His career spanned more than six decades, taking him from barbering to leading an eight-campus education network alongside his wife Angie.
Born in Holly Hill, South Carolina, Kenneth entered the industry in 1959. In 1968, he acquired Capitol Barber College and established Kenneth Shuler School of Men’s Hairstyling, which later became Kenneth Shuler School of Cosmetology. His schools would help shape the careers of thousands of barbering and beauty professionals across the Southeast.
Remembering his contribution, Tonya Hanna, Director of Education at American Crew, reflected on the breadth of his influence.
“Mr. Shuler helped shape the beauty industry with a lifelong commitment to education, mentorship, and opportunity,” Tonya said. “From his beginnings as a barber to building Kenneth Shuler School of Cosmetology, he championed an approach to education that went beyond technical skills, preparing beauty professionals with the confidence, business knowledge, and hands-on experience needed to build successful careers.”
Tonya also recalled his personal impact on her career, explaining that Kenneth Shuler was the largest American Crew Partner School during her time running that division of the company.
“He leaves a legacy of generations of professionals and educators who continue to carry his influence throughout the beauty industry,” she said.
Kenneth’s commitment extended to national leadership, including three consecutive terms as president of the National Association of Barber Schools. His contributions were recognized with South Carolina’s Order of the Palmetto in 2014 and the national N.F. Cimaglia Award in 2018.
BarberEVO extends its condolences to Kenneth’s family, friends, colleagues and the many students whose lives he helped shape.