Southern Preparatory academy

Faculty Directory

Col Corey Ramsby

President

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

Vice President

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

Chief Financial Officer, Chief of Staff

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.

Becca Nelson

Director of Institutional Advancement, Instructor, Yearbook Advisor

Becca Nelson serves as the Director of Institutional Advancement at Southern Preparatory Academy, where she has been leading marketing efforts since 2019 and advancement efforts in 2025. She also serves as the yearbook advisor and teaches a marketing course. A 2018 graduate of Auburn University with a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Becca discovered her passion for the education sector while working with the Office of Academic Support, providing group and individual tutoring through programs like Supplemental Instruction, Study Partners, and Tiger Tutor. She is committed to advancing the school’s mission through her love for writing and content creation. In her spare time, Becca enjoys spending time with her toddler.

Kimberly Wicker

Business Office Manager

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.

Morgan Comolli

Director of Admissions

Morgan Comolli is the Director of Admissions at Southern Prep, where she has worked since 2019. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminology and Sociology and a Master’s in Criminal Justice from Cabrini University. While in college, Morgan spent her summers working in the Admissions Department at an all-boys military school in Pennsylvania. After graduating, she learned about the opportunity at Southern Prep and decided to make the move, where she is now in her sixth school year.

Mindy Pate

Admissions Counselor, Volunteer Coordinator

Mindy Pate, now in her second year at Southern Preparatory Academy, is an Admissions Counselor with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Auburn University. Her career has been devoted to supporting children and families, with over five years of experience in social work and early childhood education, including work with at-risk youth.

Garrett Peebles

Admissions Counselor

Garrett Peebles serves as an Admissions Counselor and Assistant Football Coach at Southern Preparatory Academy. A proud alumnus, Garrett graduated from Southern Prep in 2022 after attending for three years. He spent two years at Midway University playing college football and pursuing a degree in teacher education. Currently, Garrett is completing his degree online through Liberty University while contributing to Southern Prep’s mission in his first year on staff.

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.

Sara Kelly

Nurse

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.

Indhira Murphy

Interim Academic Dean

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, 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.

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.

Kaitlyn Kee

Math Instructor

Kaitlyn Kee brings a strong educational background and diverse expertise to her role as a math teacher at Southern Preparatory Academy. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Wartburg College, along with a Middle Grades Education Endorsement from Upper Iowa University. Kaitlyn further specialized in fostering student well-being by earning a Graduate Certificate in Social-Emotional Learning from Waldorf University. She is a certified K-6 Elementary Education teacher, combining her qualifications and passion for education to create an engaging and supportive learning environment for her students.

Jay Strong

College & Career Counselor

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.

Christie Broom

Science & STEM Instructor

Christie Broom holds a Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ed.S. degree in education. She is a certified STEM educator and will graduate 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.