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Southern Preparatory academy

Department: Leadership & Character Development

Full Faculty List

Ron Glover, CPP, CHS-III, CAS

Director of Residential Life & Chief of Security

Ron Glover has four decades of experience safeguarding his community. After 21 years as a Police Officer in Montgomery, Alabama where he was awarded the Montgomery Police Department Life Saving Medal, he reached the rank of Major and retired from police work to spend more time with his family. He then served as the Security Manager for the JoAnn Fabric and Crafts Distribution Center in Opelika, Alabama. Responsible for developing a variety of emergency response plans for active shooter, bomb threat, and severe weather situations, Mr. Glover is excited to bring his experience in emergency response and community protection to his new role at Southern Preparatory Academy. Combining his logistical and video surveillance expertise with his vast hands-on experience with the Montgomery Police Department, Mr. Glover plans to hit the ground running to ensure the welfare of Southern Prep’s students. He boasts certifications in both anti-terrorism and Homeland Security and served as a Community Emergency Response Team instructor for the Alabama Emergency Management Agency. Mr. Glover currently lives in Auburn with his wife of 22 years. After raising 4 children, he looks forward to connecting and working alongside students to ensure their time at Southern Prep is both safe and enjoyable.

Nichol Morgan

Family Engagement Coordinator

Nichol Morgan is the Family Engagement Coordinator. She has been in education for more than 27 years. Nichol has an Associate of General Studies degree from the American Military University. She served in the Pennsylvania Air National Guard for 8 years as a firefighter. Nichol taught Study Skills, oversaw the EdGenuity Program, and served as a librarian for twenty-three years before transitioning into her current role.

Shawn Williams

Residential Director

Shawn Williams served 21 years in the Alabama Army National Guard, beginning in 1998 as a culinary specialist. He advanced to First Cook with the 167th FSC and Mess Sergeant with the 1208th QM. His deployments included Operation Noble Eagle in 2001 and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, where he served as Truck Commander and NCOIC of the Personal Security Detail for Echo Company 1/167th Infantry.

MSG Kimberlyn Burns

Junior Army Instructor

MSG Kimberlyn Burns brings a monumental 25-year career in the United States Army right into the classroom. A native of Columbus, Georgia, she has served on active duty as the Executive Administrative Assistant to a Regimental Command Sergeant Major, a position following her role as a Battalion S-3 Sergeant Major. Her career is defined by mentorship and leadership development. She served nearly five years as a Senior Drill Sergeant across both Basic Training (Fort Jackson, SC) and AIT (Fort Gordon), directly shaping the next generation of soldiers. Additionally, she has held vital roles as a Brigade Equal Opportunity Advisor and a Master Resilience Program instructor. She has also earned her degree in Information Technology and is a part of the team responsible for starting a Cybersecurity program 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.

Sara Kelly, RN, BSN

Academy Nurse

Sara Kelly serves as the Academy Nurse at Southern Preparatory Academy, where she has been a dedicated member of our school community since 2022. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of South Alabama and brings a strong clinical background to her role. Prior to joining Southern Prep, Sara worked as an orthopedic nurse at East Alabama Medical Center, where she gained extensive experience in patient care, injury management, and post-operative recovery. In her role as charge nurse, she further developed her strengths in collaboration, critical thinking, and conflict resolution. Committed to promoting student health and well-being, Sara strives to provide compassionate care, educate students on healthy habits, and support the overall safety of the campus community.

Dalis Smith

Director of Student Life & Summer Camps

Dalis Smith is the Director of Student Life, Summers at Southern, and Service Learning Coordinator at Southern Prep. Since joining in 2020 as Parent Coordinator, she has taken on key roles, including Director of Student Life and Summer Camp in 2022 and Service Learning Coordinator in 2024. A Huntingdon College graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies, Dalis has 9 years of experience from her undergraduate and professional years in student engagement programs and initiatives. At Southern Prep, she has enhanced campus life by organizing activities, off-campus trips, a mentor program fostering teamwork and school spirit, and transforming the summer camp into Summers at Southern, a traditional camp experience. Known for her energy, creativity, and resourcefulness, Dalis is dedicated to advancing Southern Prep’s mission.

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