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Southern Preparatory academy

Department: Academic Faculty

Full Faculty List

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.

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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