Dear MCS Community,

 

We are thrilled to share that, after a comprehensive search process and many hours of prayer, the Board has selected Dr. Robert Burris as the new Head of School, effective this summer.

 

Dr. Burris currently serves as the Head of School at Lakewood Park Christian School in Auburn, Indiana, a position he has held since August 2018. Under his leadership, the school has experienced remarkable year-over-year double-digit growth, achieving an enrollment of over 750 students. He has expanded both experiential and advanced educational offerings while maintaining a strong focus on academic rigor anchored in a faith-based foundation. Dr. Burris has also improved the school’s financial stability and overseen significant facility enhancements for athletics, the arts, and academics during his tenure.

 

Dr. Burris earned his undergraduate degree from Liberty University in Virginia, along with a master’s degree in counseling and a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Central Florida. He is an ordained minister and has dedicated over 25 years to serving in Christian education. His experience includes roles such as school counselor, middle and high school teacher, dean of students, high school principal, and founder/president of the Atlanta Christian School Association. Additionally, he serves as an accreditation commissioner for the Association of Christian Schools International, chairman of the Board of Directors for the National Institute for Learning Development, and a member of the Board of Directors for the DeKalb County Chamber of Commerce. He is also a Ph.D. advisor for doctoral students at Columbia International University.

 

As a seasoned Head of School, Dr. Burris is recognized for his expertise in education management. He possesses a strong skill set in K-12 education, classroom management, marketing, fundraising, facility planning, strategic development, program expansion, and curriculum revision. He is known for his creative vision and passion for guiding and inspiring students toward relevant and experiential growth in a collaborative environment. Furthermore, he has extensive experience in accreditation processes and teacher development, ensuring a commitment to academic excellence.

 

In his personal life, Dr. Burris is an avid traveler and has led student adventures worldwide. His journeys have taken him from the canyons of Arizona to the rainforests of Costa Rica and from the beaches of Normandy to the castles of England and Scotland. He enjoys spending time with his family, reading, and gardening. Dr. Burris and his wife Jennifer, also an educator, have four daughters (one attending UT Knoxville) and five grandchildren.​

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There will be an opportunity to meet Dr. Burris in the coming weeks.

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Sincerely, 

MCS Board of Directors (Stephanie McSpadden, Allen Byrd, Eric Fugate, Erica Smith, Jonathan Blair, Daniel Brooker, Joe Wright, Scott Roberts)