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Faculty Directory
One of our greatest strengths at St. Thomas More Academy is our ability to attract powerful and passionate teachers. The opportunity to work on the cutting edge of Catholic preparatory education draws a wide range of people into our school. In today’s educational climate public school teachers are contending with state-mandated tests. Even many independent schools are consumed with teaching to various tests. Quality teachers are attracted to St. Thomas More because they can mentor students in how to think collaboratively and assertively about matters of significance for Christians in the contemporary world. These faculty and staff profiles give a glimpse of our breadth and wealth of talent.
Deacon Brad Watkins
Headmaster
Deacon Brad Watkins is the Academy’s headmaster. He also teaches electives in theology, art and design. Deacon Watkins came to the Academy after many years of teaching on both the secondary and collegiate level and several years as the Administrative Secretary to Bishop Michael Burbidge in the Diocese of Raleigh…
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Dr. Wesley Kirkpatrick
Dean of Studies
History, Philosophy and Senior Tutorial
Wesley Kirkpatrick is St. Thomas More’s Dean of Studies. He also teaches electives in philosophy and contemporary history and facilitates the annual senior tutorial…
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Mrs. Ann Cureton
Administrative Assistant
Renweb Assistance, FACTS Tuition Payment, Student Records
Ann Cureton is the Academy’s administrative assistant. “I came to St. Thomas More after five years away from the workforce as a stay-at-home mom…
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Mr. Randall Blessing
Mathematics and Natural Sciences
Randall Blessing is senior instructor in science and mathematics. He sees both as forms of play and exploration…
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Ms. Nancy Bryant
Student Life Coordinator
Latin, History, Classics and Art History
Nancy Bryant is instructor in humanities. One of her favorite thoughts is St. Thomas More’s: “The whole fruit of their educational endeavors should consist in the testimony of God and a good conscience…
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Mrs. Kristy Chandler
Trivium
Kristy Chandler is adjunct instructor in the humanities and teaches primarily in the Trivium. “As a linguist I am thrilled that St. Thomas More Academy devotes substantial time to the study of language…
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Mrs. Mary Draper
Ancient Languages and Classics
Mary Draper is adjunct instructor in Latin. “The mind is an amazing thing and does amazing things. At the Academy I work with excited students who enjoy doing amazing things, not least in Latin!”…
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Ms. Nancy DeMaria
Mathematics and Natural Sciences
Nancy DeMaria is instructor in the natural sciences. “The beauty of God’s plan for creation is revealed in the tiniest details, whether in the reaction of two atoms to form a new compound or the cascading release of hormones that leads to birth of a child…
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Ms. Leigh Edwards
Philosophy, Logic, Rhetoric and Theology
Leigh Edwards is instructor in the humanities. She teaches chiefly in philosophy and theology. “I am a native North Carolinian, the granddaughter of an eastern tobacco farmer and a mountain family.” These two influences of place and faith have shaped her intellectual interests…
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Mrs. Kelly Henson
Literature
Kelly Henson is instructor in humanities and teaches primarily in literature. “Academy students and faculty support one another’s unique interests and talents. Seminar-style classes nurture bold and logical thinking and provide a solid foundation in intellectual culture…
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Mr. Daniel Kumar
Mathematics and Computer Sciences
Daniel Kumar is adjunct instructor in mathematics. He believes that “truth, when posed clearly and eloquently, is powerfully attractive to the curious mind. Once perceived, it demands to be pursued, no matter the difficulties or obstacles, and it demands submission…
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Mrs. Cassie McCullers
Service and Outreach Coordinator
Cassie McCullers is the Academy’s service and outreach coordinator and adjunct instructor in the natural sciences. “One of my own guiding principles comes from Joshua 24:15: ‘As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord…’
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Mrs. Nina McElwee
Fine Arts
Nina McElwee is adjunct instructor in fine arts. “Through the media of music and art,” she says, “we can praise God, to whom we owe everything good that we may become…”
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Mr. Rod Ruiz
Registrar
Computer Sciences, American Studies and Modern Languages
Rod Ruiz is the Academy’s registrar and senior instructor in the humanities. He teaches primarily in history and economics…
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Mr. Jim Shaughnessy
Information Technology
Jim Shaughnessy manages information technology at the Academy and is adjunct instructor in computer technology…
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Mrs. Lee Shields
Philosophy, Logic, Rhetoric and Theology
Lee Shields is instructor in humanities. An Academy graduate herself, she praises the benefits of a “classical preparatory education in an environment where faith and character are nurtured…
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Mr. Alex Young
Director of Athletics
Classics, Theology, and Mathematics
“I was born on the feast of the Epiphany at a time when North Carolina boasted a less than five percent Catholic population. We were the least Catholic state. I attended a boarding school in Pennsylvania and college in Virginia…”