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Southern Preparatory academy

Faculty and Staff

Mark Morgan

Director of Facilities/CFO

Mark Morgan serves as the Chief Financial Officer and Director of Facilities at Southern Preparatory Academy, where he has been a dedicated member of the team since 2018. Previously, he served as the Academic Dean, bringing more than 30 years of experience in education and leadership to the role. He holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Louisiana at Monroe and a Master of Arts from American Military University. A proud veteran, Mr. Morgan served 10 years in the U.S. Army and Pennsylvania National Guard as a maintenance officer, platoon leader, company commander, and battalion staff officer. Throughout his education career, he has served as dorm supervisor, and teacher of math, science, and history, as well as in key administrative roles including Middle School Director, Vice President of Administration and Finance, Business Officer, and Interim Head of School. Mr. Morgan’s extensive experience and steady leadership continue to strengthen the operations and community of Southern Prep.

Tyler Droke

Institutional Advancement Coordinator

Tyler Droke serves as the Institutional Advancement Coordinator, bringing a dual focused approach of high quality media and strategic innovation. He is a graduate of the University of Arizona with two Bachelor’s Degrees in Business Management and Entrepreneurship. He currently applies his entrepreneurial drive while simultaneously running a successful media company and launching a new, health-focused venture. Tyler is actively helping to build the Student Government Association at Southern Prep. And in his free time, he loves to be active and playing soccer, volleyball, and pickleball.

Lily Kowtko

Archivist

J.R. Rodriguez

Athletic Director

Julie Goree

College & Career Counselor, Registrar

Ms. Julie Goree is a graduate of Auburn University with a BS degree in Education. She began her career at Russell Corporation, where she worked for over 25 years serving in roles from Quality Control Laboratory Manager to Cutting and Sewing Department Managers.. She spent 15 years with the Alexander City Board of Education as the Site Coordinator for the school system’s after-school program before coming to Southern Prep Academy as the Registrar and College & Career Counselor, helping guide students in their academic planning and future pathways. Ms. Goree also represents District 3 on the Alexander City Council. Her professional interests include youth development, career readiness, and community engagement.

Dr. Sharon Dean

Humanities Department Head

Dr. Sharon Dean has dedicated much of her life to public service and education, with four years of military service and over 25 years in law enforcement. She received degrees from Alabama State University, Troy University, and Northcentral University in Phoenix, Arizona. After teaching elementary school for 16 years, she served as Education Director at a residential facility for four years, and is now leads the Humanities Department at Southern Preparatory Academy. She is the proud parent of three daughters and the grandparent to nine wonderful grandchildren. Dr. Dean loves teaching, reading mystery novels, enjoying the outdoors—especially in the fall—and exploring a variety of foods.

Pam Webber

Director of Technology & IT

Pam Webber is the Director of Information Technology at Southern Preparatory Academy. Originally from New Rochelle, NY, Pam holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Washington University in St. Louis (1993) and became a Certified Financial Planner™ in 2012. With over 20 years of experience in IT, her expertise includes computer programming, network analysis, project management, and implementing office infrastructure. Pam joined Southern Prep in 2017. She is married with three children, including two sons who are proud Southern Prep alumni.

Fiona Ruble

ELA & ESL Instructor

Christine Curtis

Instructor

Christine Curtis is a new math instructor in the STEM department. She joins Southern Prep after 25 years in the private sector, working as a Technology Project Manager. As a PM, she has worked in various sectors: photo, web development, health care, banking, internet search, and aerospace. She has worked for many companies, including ArcSoft, Deltanet (part of Delta Dental of CA), Wells Fargo, and Boeing. Prior to the private sector, Christine graduated from the United States Coast Guard Academy in 1994. She was commissioned as an Ensign in the Coast Guard and served her first two years as a naval engineer on the Coast Guard Cutter CHASE. The CHASE conducted Search-And-Rescue cases mostly in the Bering Sea, carried out Fisheries Law Enforcement in the Bering Sea, and spearheaded Migrant Interdiction off the coast near San Diego. She then worked at CG Headquarters in the Equal Opportunity department, and later at CG Pacific Area in the Contingency Planning department. Christine hails from San Jose, CA and moved to Alex City, AL in the summer of 2025 from Seattle, WA. She is married to a former Marine (USMC) and has three wonderful children, one of whom attends Southern Prep.

Webb Newman

Instructor

Webb Newman holds a History degree with a Religion minor from Huntingdon College. He also studied history and played football at Troy University. Before joining Southern Preparatory Academy, Webb coached baseball, basketball, and football at Montgomery Academy for four years while completing his studies. At Southern Prep, Webb has taught courses including World History, U.S. History I & II, Health, World Religion, Intro to the Bible, and Personal Finance during his tenure. He serves as the offensive coordinator for the varsity football team and head coach for varsity baseball, combining his passion for athletics and education to mentor cadets both in the classroom and on the field.

Chuck Webber

Instructor

Charles (Chuck) Webber, a former U.S. Air Force Sergeant, serves on the academic faculty at Southern Preparatory Academy. An alumnus of the Academy (1975–1977), he holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from Southern Illinois University–Carbondale. During his military service, he was a Computer Programmer with the 1500th Computer Services Squadron and received the Air Force Commendation Medal for his work on the SARSAT/COSPAS system. With over 40 years in Information Technology, Chuck has led enterprise systems and business transformation projects across defense, logistics, finance, and retail, including serving as Director of Enterprise Architecture and Business Intelligence for LBrands. He has been part of Southern Prep’s faculty since 2017 and is married with five children, including two alumni of the Academy.

Andrew Morris

Technical Specialist

Andrew Morris, a 2024 graduate of Southern Union State Community College, discovered his passion for electronics at a young age. He began working with computers at just 12 years old, sparking a lifelong interest in building and repairing them. This passion led him to pursue an Associate’s degree in Computer Information Systems, making him the first in his family to earn a college degree after two challenging years of study. Dedicated to his craft, Andrew enjoys sharing his knowledge with others who share his interests and continually seeks opportunities to expand his expertise.

CAPT Raoul Rall

Commandant of Cadets & Dean of Student Affairs

CAPT Rall brings a deep commitment to student development, academic excellence, and leadership education as Southern Prep continues to strengthen campus life and the overall student experience. CAPT Rall’s professional background is rooted in education, leadership development, and mentoring young people. He previously served as an Adjunct Professor of Aerospace Science with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, teaching high school students in a dual-enrollment environment focused on advanced STEM and aviation studies. His instructional leadership produced outstanding outcomes, including an 82% FAA exam pass rate and multiple students earning their Private Pilot License prior to high school graduation. In recognition of his impact in the classroom, he was named Embry-Riddle Pilot of the Year. He holds a Master of Science in Aerospace Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and a Master of Arts in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College, along with a Bachelor of Science from Auburn University and early academic training at Marion Military Institute. His academic preparation reflects a strong foundation in analytical thinking, leadership, and student-focused instruction. In addition to his work in education, CAPT Rall brings extensive organizational and leadership experience from a distinguished career in the United States Navy, retiring at the rank of Captain (O-6) after more than 30 years of service. Throughout his career, he led large, complex organizations, managed significant budgets, and prioritized the development, well-being, and accountability of those under his charge. This experience informs his approach to structure, consistency, and mentorship– skills that translate directly to supporting students in a residential and day school environment. As Commandant of Cadets and Dean of Student Affairs, CAPT Rall will oversee student life, leadership programming, student discipline, and mentorship. His focus will be on fostering a positive, inclusive, and supportive campus culture that emphasizes personal responsibility, character development, and growth for all students.

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!

Bill Monk

Residential Director

Bill Monk is a Residential Director at Southern Preparatory Academy. He works closely with students to create a positive, structured environment where they can learn, grow, and succeed. Bill earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Jacksonville State University (Go Gamecocks!) and has spent much of his career working with youth. Before joining Southern Prep, Bill served as a Juvenile Probation Officer and later as Chief Probation Officer. His experience in youth services has given him a strong understanding of how guidance and consistency can help young people reach their potential. He has also been active in several government and civic organizations, including the United Way of East Central Alabama, the Young Leaders Society of Calhoun County, the Multiple Needs Facilitation Team (as Co-Chair), the Department of Human Resources Quality Assurance Committee, and the Coosa Valley Youth Services Board of Directors. Bill is married with 2 sons and 3 dogs. In his free time, Bill enjoys spending time with family, watching his oldest son in the marching band and coaching his youngest son’s sports teams.

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