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Southern Preparatory academy

Department: Academic Faculty

Full Faculty List

Blaine Thompson

Dean of Academics

Mr. Thompson brings a strong background in education, leadership, and faith-based instruction to the role. He joined Southern Prep in spring 2023 as a middle school English teacher and quickly made an impact by launching the Academy’s Introduction to the Bible course. Mr. Thompson holds a B.A. in History and M.A. in Education from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, as well as a Master of Divinity from Christ Our Redeemer Seminary. His teaching career spans public and private schools, international work in China and Turkey, and adult education across the Southeast. He also leads a weekly Bible study on campus and is passionate about holistic, transformational education.

Dr. Christie Broom

STEM/Polytechnic Department Head

Christie Broom holds a Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ed.S. degree in education. She is a certified STEM educator and will graduate from Auburn University in Spring 2025 with a Ph.D. in Educational Foundations, Leadership, and Technology. With 29 years of teaching experience in diverse settings, Christie has dedicated her career to fostering positive student-teacher relationships. She has co-authored several publications focusing on student-teacher trust and rapport. Her research interests include ADHD, student-teacher trust, and its impact on academic achievement.

Jay Strong

Fine Arts Department Head

Jammy Strong serves Southern Preparatory Academy as the Fine Arts Department Head. Before joining Southern Prep, he spent three years as the Veterans Service Coordinator and Academic Plans Advisor at Grays Harbor Community College. During his 22-year Army career, Mr. Strong played trombone in the Army Band from 1994 to 2006 and transitioned to serving as a Career Counselor from 2007 until his retirement in 2016. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Adult Workforce Education from Southern Illinois University and a Master’s in Human Resources with a Certificate in Leadership from Brandman University.

James Bergeron

Aviation Instructor

James Bergeron is an accomplished aviation professional with a rich career spanning military and commercial aviation. A 1986 graduate of Auburn University’s Aviation Management program, he earned FAA Commercial, Instrument, Multi-Engine, and Instructor certifications. Upon graduation, he was commissioned in the U.S. Navy, completed flight school in Pensacola, FL, and Beeville, TX, and served as an A-6 Intruder pilot before separating in 1991. Following his military service, James flew for various companies and commuter airlines before joining Polar Air Cargo as a B-747 pilot, later transitioning to Atlas Airlines after their merger. He served as a B-767 Captain until leaving the airline industry due to the loss of his medical certification to fly.

Art Murphy, M.A., M.S., J.D.

Instructor of Online/Hybrid Learning

Art Murphy is the Director/Instructor of Online Learning, College Dual Enrollment Monitor, and School Librarian at Southern Preparatory Academy. A retired U.S. Army Special Agent (CW4) with over 20 years in the Criminal Investigation Command (CID), Art brings a wealth of experience in law enforcement, leadership, and education. At Southern Prep, he manages online and hybrid learning programs, mentors new educators, oversees college dual enrollment opportunities, and promotes literacy through library services. He has taught various subjects, including math, science, and law. Art holds an extensive academic background, including an Associate of Arts in Law Enforcement, a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, three master’s degrees, and a Juris Doctor. His career also includes teaching college courses in diverse fields such as Business Management and Criminal Justice, along with leadership roles as CEO of technology and finance companies.

Indhira Murphy

Assistant Dean of Academics

Indhira Murphy serves as the Assistant Dean of Academics at Southern Preparatory Academy, where she oversees curriculum development, mentors faculty, and fosters a disciplined and positive learning environment. With over 20 years of service as a U.S. Army Sergeant Major, Indhira brings leadership, integrity, and compassion to her role, ensuring cadets excel academically and develop essential life skills. In addition to her administrative duties, Indhira teaches Spanish to high school students. She also coaches the cross-country and junior varsity/varsity basketball teams, encouraging young athletes to succeed on and off the field. A graduate of the University of Texas, El Paso, with a Bachelor of Science in Human Resources, Indhira combines her military and academic experience to inspire excellence and drive success at Southern Prep.

CSM Greg Caywood

Senior Army Instructor

Command Sergeant Major (Retired) Gregory Caywood, a native of Greenup, Illinois, enlisted in the Army in 1995 and served for 27 years, retiring in 2022. A decorated veteran, he held leadership roles from platoon forward observer to Brigaide CSM and deployed three times in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. CSM Caywood holds a Bachelor of Arts from Columbia College and two Master’s degrees—in International Relations from Webster University and Secondary Education Social Sciences from the University of West Alabama. After retiring, he taught high school English and served as a substitute teacher before becoming the JROTC Senior Army Instructor at Southern Prep. His awards include the Legion of Merit, two Bronze Stars, six Meritorious Service Medals, and the Combat Action Badge.

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