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Southern Preparatory academy

Faculty and Staff

Roland Bell

Director of Maintenance

Roland Bell served in the Alabama Army National Guard as a helicopter mechanic while attending Troy State University, where he earned a degree in Physical Education. He later completed a Biology degree at Auburn University and a master’s in Sports and Fitness Management at Troy University–Ft. Benning. Over 25 years, he taught physical education and biology in Alabama public schools while coaching multiple sports and serving as athletics director. After retiring, he joined Southern Prep in 2018 as Biology Teacher and Head Football Coach, later becoming Athletics Director. Under his leadership, the team earned multiple national titles and scholarship opportunities for players. In June, Mr. Bell transitioned to Maintenance Director and Industrial Arts Program Director, overseeing Building Construction and Turf Management.

Joe Watson

Director of Sustainability

Joe Watson currently serves as Southern Preparatory Academy’s Director of Sustainability. A graduate of Auburn University, Joe has dedicated 45 years to the academy, holding various key positions, including Band Director, Assistant Dean/Athletic Director, Director of Admissions, and Director of Property and Facilities. He has also contributed to special projects such as construction, event planning, and the academy’s designation as a historic site. Joe has had the privilege of serving under 9 of the academy’s 13 presidents. A longtime resident of Camp Hill, Joe has been active in the local community, serving on the town council and as an EMT and volunteer firefighter. His passion for music continues, as he performs as a vocalist in several choirs and as a big band trombonist/arranger. Joe has been recognized for his distinguished service at Southern Preparatory Academy by the Alabama Association of Independent Schools and by a resolution from the Alabama Senate.

Ryan Montgomery

Dining Hall Manager

Ryan Montgomery joined Southern Preparatory Academy as Dining Hall Manager in August 2024, bringing over 15 years of experience in culinary arts and hospitality. A graduate of Kendall College’s culinary arts program, Ryan served as a Mess Specialist with the U.S. Navy’s Seventh Fleet in Yokosuka, Japan. A native of Tallapoosa County, Ryan is also a Master Plumber and is committed to supporting the academy’s agricultural initiatives, including launching the greenhouse and compost programs. With over a decade of experience coaching youth football, Ryan has mentored area youth through local churches and the Alabama Sheriff’s Youth Ranches. At Southern Prep, he also coaches Junior Varsity football and has been instrumental in establishing the school’s wrestling program.

Susie Alvies

Server

Ian Sanford

Night Security

Justin Hanners

Night Security

Justin Hanners holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Huntingdon College. He served four years active duty in the United States Air Force in the Security Forces field before transitioning to civilian law enforcement, where he spent six years as a police officer with the City of Auburn, Alabama. Following his public service, Mr. Hanners has spent five years in private security, asset protection, and loss prevention, including three years in a supervisory role. Drawing on a combined 15 years of experience in security and law enforcement, he is dedicated to maintaining safety, integrity, and professionalism in every environment he serves. Mr. Hanners is married and the proud father of two.

Ladontay Taylor

Night Security

Amber Willford

Supply Officer

Amber Willford is the Supply Officer and is entering her third year at Southern Preparatory Academy. Amber studied Criminal Justice at Motlow State in Lynchburg, TN. Shortly after leaving Tennessee, she dabbled in retail management where she obtained her small business and wholesalers license which she used to open her own retail boutique in Indiana. Amber later received her Correctional Officer training at Westville Correctional Facility in Westville, IN.

Savitra Huntley

Laundry

Brittany Davis

Laundry

Joshua Gatlin

Instructor

Nichol Morgan

Parent Coordinator

Nichol Morgan is the Parent Coordinator. She is in her eighth year at Southern Preparatory Academy and her twenty-seventh year in education. 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 as the Parent Coordinator.

Rob Stockwell

Chef

Rod Siggers

Barber, Chaplain

Marvin Kelley

Chef

Department