Letter from the President

Dear Ranger Family,

As we reflect on the past year and eagerly anticipate the future, I want to share the inspiring vision for Southern Preparatory Academy as we prepare for the next academic year. We sit at a pivotal moment in our history, a true crossroads. The world around us has changed, and Southern Prep is adapting and actively shaping its future with thoughtful intention and unwavering resolve.

At this significant juncture, we embrace the winds of change with a clear sense of hope and direction. Hope for the progress we are making today, driven by our steadfast purpose. Hope for the future we are building, a future deeply rooted in our cherished heritage and values. And hope in our collective ability to not just navigate the evolving landscape but to emerge as a stronger, more impactful institution.

I am reminded of the powerful wisdom shared by Admiral William McRaven, a leader whose integrity and impact I deeply admire. He spoke of the profound significance of starting each day with a simple act: making your bed. This seemingly small task cultivates discipline, fosters a sense of accomplishment, and underscores the vital importance of getting the fundamentals right. These foundational principles – discipline, teamwork, resilience, respect, and perseverance – are at the heart of our approach at Southern Prep. We believe that by focusing on these essential elements, what we call the “top line,” a strong and successful future, the “bottom line,” will naturally follow.

Just as Admiral McRaven highlighted the power of fundamental actions, Southern Preparatory Academy is building its resurgence on a clear and compelling strategic vision. We envision becoming a transformational force in character development and technical education, seamlessly blending our proud legacy with groundbreaking applied STEM programs. Imagine taking the best of our rich history – the practical focus of Southern Industrial Institute and the leadership development of Lyman Ward Military Academy – and applying them to the needs and challenges of the 21st century. This is our chapter, and we are excited by the new ground we will cover.

Our Strategic Plan is the very blueprint that guides our efforts and ensures a thriving and impactful academy. This isn’t just a document; it’s a tangible expression of our hope and determination. It represents our collective commitment to those essential “making our bed” moments each day – the disciplined, foundational steps we must take to achieve our ambitious goals.

This plan provides a clear framework for navigating the future. Our immediate focus is on stabilizing operations through increased enrollment, targeted fundraising, and responsible resource management – ensuring a solid foundation for future growth and innovation. This requires the unified effort of our entire community, from our dedicated faculty elevating our academics and our coaches building an athletic powerhouse, to our military leaders instilling essential values and our alumni and friends generously contributing their time, talent, and resources. And, most importantly, it involves our students, who absorb all that Southern Prep offers and are empowered to become the leaders of tomorrow. This is not a distant dream; it is within our reach now.

Looking ahead, our strategic emphasis on expanding our applied STEM programs and enhancing our academic offerings directly addresses the evolving world. By establishing cutting-edge disciplines like computer science, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence, alongside our established drone and aviation programs and developing robotics and exploring additive manufacturing, we are positioning Southern Prep as a leader in preparing young people not just to navigate the 21st century but to shape it. This modern approach honors the vision of Dr. Ward – preparing young people for the work of life – in a dynamic and relevant way.

Our long-term vision culminates in the establishment of a Polytechnic Institute at Southern Preparatory Academy – our unwavering commitment to becoming a beacon for engineering and technology education in the Southeast. This institute will be where tradition meets innovation, where the self-discipline and leadership instilled through our legacy blend seamlessly with the most advanced technical training.

The importance of this Strategic Plan cannot be overstated. It is our compass, our yardstick, and our unifying vision. It demands our attention to the “little things” – consistent enrollment efforts, nurturing donor relationships, and responsible resource management. Because, as Admiral McRaven so powerfully reminded us, when we get the “top line” right – those foundational actions and our unwavering commitment to this strategic direction – then the “bottom line” – a thriving Southern Preparatory Academy producing leaders of character and competence for generations to come – will undoubtedly follow. This plan is not just our hope for the future; it is the tangible pathway.

We are incredibly fortunate to have a dedicated team – our faculty, staff, alumni, families, and friends – who are deeply committed to this vision. We extend our sincere gratitude to our elected officials, dedicated supporters, and many others, our supportive parents, our Alumni Association, our valued business partners, and our dedicated Board of Trustees. Their selfless contributions of time, talent, and treasure are vital to our mission.

This is the path we are on. This is about getting the “top line” right, confident that a thriving Southern Prep, producing principled and capable leaders, will naturally follow. I invite you to join us on this exciting journey. Thank you for considering Southern Preparatory Academy for your family. We believe that together, we can shape a truly exceptional future for our students.

Sincerely,

Col Corey M. Ramsby, USSF (R)
President