Southern Preparatory academy

Department: Leadership & Character Development Department

Nichol Morgan

Parent Coordinator

MAJ Taher Manasterli

Weekend Residential Director

Shawn Williams

Residential Director

John Gatzman

Residential Director

Bill Monk

Residential Director

MSG Kimberlyn Burns

Junior Army Instructor

2LT Gabe Pless

Executive Officer

LTC Ed Aycock, Ph.D.

Commandant of Cadets & Dean of Student Affairs

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.

Sara Kelly, RN, BSN

Academy Nurse