Faculty Directory

With an impressive career spanning three decades, Col Ramsby brings a wealth of experience and leadership to our institution. Currently serving as and retiring as the Commander of the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps at Maxwell Air Force Base, Col Ramsby has a proven track record of recruiting, educating, and developing future Air Force leaders. His mission-oriented approach, coupled with his commitment to academic excellence and practical leadership experiences, will undoubtedly elevate Southern Prep to new heights. Col Ramsby’s journey began as a distinguished graduate of the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps program at Purdue University in 1994. Throughout his career, he has held various operational and staff roles, including senior leadership positions at Space Force and Cyber Command. His commands have included the 55th Communications Group at Offutt AFB, the 375th Communications Squadron at Scott AFB, and the 54th Combat Communications Squadron at Robins AFB, among others. In addition to his operational roles, Col Ramsby has served in crucial deployments in support of Operations Desert Fox, Southern Watch, and Enduring Freedom. His commendable service has been recognized with numerous awards and decorations, including the Legion of Merit Medal, Bronze Star Medal, and Defense Meritorious Service Medal, among others. Col Ramsby’s leadership has left an indelible mark on every organization he has served, from the Headquarters of the United States Space Force to the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Col Ramsby married his high school sweetheart, his wife Tanja, 38 years ago and has three grown children and five grandchildren.

Jenifer Isbell is an experienced professional with over seven years of dedicated service in the boarding school education sector. Prior to joining Southern Prep, she worked as a paralegal for nine years, developing strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills. Additionally, Jenifer spent several years in staffing coordinator roles, gaining valuable human resources experience that has strengthened her ability to manage personnel, foster a positive work environment, and support organizational growth. She began her career at Southern Prep in the Admissions Department, where she gained insights into the school’s operations and student engagement. Her passion for education and leadership has guided her growth within the organization, and she currently serves as Vice President. Throughout her career, Jenifer has demonstrated a strong commitment to enhancing the student experience and supporting the school’s mission.

Mark Morgan serves as the Chief Financial Officer and Chief of Staff at Southern Preparatory Academy, where he has been a dedicated member of the team since 2018. With 30 years of experience in education, Mark holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Louisiana at Monroe and a Master of Arts degree from American Military University. A proud veteran, Mark served 10 years in the U.S. Army and Pennsylvania National Guard, taking on roles such as maintenance officer, platoon leader, company commander, and battalion staff officer. Throughout his career in education, Mark has held diverse roles, including TAC officer, dorm supervisor, and teacher of subjects ranging from middle school math and science to Algebra 1 and various U.S. and military history courses. He has also excelled in administrative leadership, serving as Middle School Director, Vice President of Administration and Finance, Business Officer, and interim head of school. Mark’s extensive experience and commitment to education continue to benefit the cadets and community at Southern Prep.

Kimberly Wicker is the Business Office Manager. She has over 30 years of experience in business office management with 18 years in the education sector. She is in her eighth year at Southern Preparatory Academy. Her expertise spans across a variety of key positions, including Director of Financial Aid, Business Office Manager, Registrar, and Campus Administrator. This diverse background has equipped Kimberly with a deep understanding of both the operational and academic needs of educational institutions. Kimberly is a dedicated Mother of three adult children and two teenage grandchildren.

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.

Indhira Murphy serves as the Assistant Academic Dean 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.

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.

Jammy Strong serves Southern Preparatory Academy as the College and Career Counselor and Musical Director. 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.