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Southern Preparatory academy

Department: Academic Faculty

Full Faculty List

Julie Goree

College & Career Counselor, Registrar

Ms. Julie Goree is a graduate of Auburn University with a BS degree in Education. She began her career at Russell Corporation, where she worked for over 25 years serving in roles from Quality Control Laboratory Manager to Cutting and Sewing Department Managers.. She spent 15 years with the Alexander City Board of Education as the Site Coordinator for the school system’s after-school program before coming to Southern Prep Academy as the Registrar and College & Career Counselor, helping guide students in their academic planning and future pathways. Ms. Goree also represents District 3 on the Alexander City Council. Her professional interests include youth development, career readiness, and community engagement.

Blaine Thompson

Dean of Academics

Blaine Thompson holds a Bachelor of Arts in History and a Master of Arts in Education (TESOL) from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and recently earned a Master of Divinity from Christ Our Redeemer Seminary. He joined Southern Preparatory Academy in spring 2022 as a teacher and became Academic Dean in the summer of 2025. Mr. Thompson has experience teaching in both public and private schools, including online instruction for international students. He incorporates his global travel experiences into the curriculum, emphasizing culture, ethics, and communication, and helps students develop critical thinking, effective communication, and analytical skills through reading, writing, and presentations.

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 graduated 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

Jay Strong serves Southern Preparatory Academy as the Fine Arts Department Head, where he has been instrumental in reestablishing the music program and expanding fine arts offerings to include art and photography. 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

Mrs. Indhira Murphy serves as the Assistant Academic Dean at Southern Preparatory Academy, where she oversees curriculum development, mentors faculty, and promotes a disciplined, success-driven learning environment. With over two decades of service as a Sergeant Major in the United States Army, Mrs. Murphy brings a wealth of leadership experience grounded in integrity, determination, and compassion. Her guiding philosophy is, “Success isn’t about how much money you make—it’s about the difference you make in people’s lives.” In addition to her administrative duties, she assists with coaching the varsity basketball team, encouraging students to excel both on and off the court. Mrs. Murphy holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Resources from the University of Texas at El Paso. She values the opportunity to blend structure with positive leadership, helping Southern Prep students grow as scholars, leaders, and individuals of strong character.

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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