Meet our Leaders
Dr. Scott Harsh, President
Dr. Scott Harsh has been at GAC since 1996, serving as an educator, principal, and Vice President before becoming President in 2018. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Math from Harding University; his Master of Education from the University of Georgia; an Education Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Georgia State University; and his Doctorate of Education in Organizational Leadership from Abilene Christian University. Prior to his years at GAC, he worked as a teacher in Memphis City Schools.
Dr. Harsh was originally drawn to GAC because of its people and mission, and those reasons keep him here today. "I get to do meaningful and interesting work each day, and I have an opportunity to invest in the lives of our students and to create value for our families. GAC does this by providing an engaging and nurturing environment for students to explore broad interests, develop their passions, advance in their intellect and skills, practice leadership, and cultivate their faith."
He is married to Teresa Harsh, and they have three children—Garner (GAC Class of 2020), Colton (GAC 2023), and Emme (GAC 2027). The family is actively involved at North Atlanta Church of Christ.
Dr. Katherine White, Vice President of Advancement
Katherine White leads GAC's development and advancement efforts, as well as oversees community relations and marketing/communications. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Information and Computer Science from Georgia Tech, a Master of Business Administration in Marketing from Clemson University, and a Doctorate of Education degree from Vanderbilt University. Before GAC, she worked as a marketing representative for IBM, then as an adjunct faculty instructor at Greenville Technical College. She has been at GAC in various roles since 2003. She believes the most important thing GAC is doing for its students is to help them find their passion in life and grow academically and spiritually in order for them to make an impact as they take their next steps in life, at college and beyond.
Katherine’s family includes three GAC graduates, Justin and his wife Brooke, and Elizabeth. She and her husband Don attend East Cobb Church of Christ.
Dr. Josh Thomason, Vice President of Finance & Operations; Executive Director of Ethos
Josh Thomason, CPA, MBA, EdD is GAC’s Vice President of Finance and Operations and the Executive Director of Ethos School. He has been at GAC since 2011 during which time he also helped launch Ethos in 2017. Prior to working at GAC, he worked for The Home Depot and Grant Thornton in various capacities. He came to GAC because it offered a unique opportunity for him to directly impact the Kingdom through education. "We strongly believe in academic excellence grounded in faith. With academics and faith combined, we are truly preparing the next generation of servant leaders".
Josh earned a Bachelor of Science in Management and a Master of Business Administration in Finance and Strategy from Georgia Tech and has completed his doctoral studies in Entrepreneurial Leadership in Education at Johns Hopkins University.
He and his wife, Ashley, have three children, Sam (GAC 2032) , Canaan (GAC 2033), and Lizzie. His family attends Campus Church of Christ.
Dr. Betty Morris, Director of Academics & Teacher Growth
Betty Morris is the Director of Academics and Teacher Growth for GAC and Ethos School. She majored in Mathematics Education at Southern Arkansas University and also earned both a Master of Education and a Doctor of Education degree from the University of Georgia. She has served as a math teacher, Math Department Chair, Dean of Girls, and Academic Dean at GAC prior to becoming the Director of Academics and Teacher Growth at GAC and Ethos. Dr. Betty Morris has been at GAC since 1988. In her current role, she has the blessing of working with PK-12 teachers in all content areas building Professional Learning Communities who collaboratively design, implement, and review the teaching and learning process in each course continually.
With Jesus as the example of the Master teacher, superb teaching is especially important in a Christian school. Dr. Morris feels emboldened by what she sees at GAC. “Here teachers thoughtfully align themselves with the profession's ever-changing best practices. We serve our students best when we use the most up-to-date teaching methodologies, modalities, and technologies.”
Dr. Morris's son, Tyler, graduated from GAC. She and her family attend North Atlanta Church of Christ.
Principals
Shane Woodward, High School Principal
Shane Woodward graduated from Wheaton College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History. He also has a Master in Coaching and Athletic Administration degree from Concordia University-Irvine and an Educational Specialist degree from Gordon College in Leadership. Shane has been at GAC since 2012. Prior to that, he worked in public schools in Georgia and outside of Chicago, Illinois. What brought him to GAC was the desire to be part of a community of like-minded faculty and administration that could work passionately to bring Kingdom values into education. What keeps him at GAC is his love for students. "The talent that each one of our kids brings to the table is incredible, and each year they blow us away with how much they give to others." The most important thing GAC is doing for its students is "equipping leaders, now! We aren't waiting for a future time and place. We want a life-giving culture that cultivates student-leaders for this very time and place. The world is counting on them."
Shane and his wife Michele have two Spartans of their own, Tatum (GAC 2031) and Teagan (GAC 2033). Shane's family attends GateCity Church.
TJ Dixon, Middle School Principal
Most of TJ’s career has been spent with students in middle school grades. He taught in Fulton County Schools for 10 years and at Fellowship Christian School for one year. Coming to GAC in 2012, TJ continued to teach Middle School Social Studies while also coaching Football and Lacrosse. TJ became chair of the Social Science community in Middle School and most recently served as Middle School Dean of Students while continuing to teach, coach, and lead several Middle School and High School mission trips. He says he prefers hanging out with middle schoolers over just about everyone. Middle schoolers provide just the right energy to fuel his day. Dr. Scott Harsh shares, “T is a talented leader who cares deeply for students, is adept at building culture, has established himself as an academic leader, and is devoted to our mission. He and Lauren Hollier, Middle School Academic Dean, have a strong partnership that will continue to take our Middle School forward in academics, student engagement, and innovation."
TJ and his family are involved at Campus Church.
Rhonda Helms, Lower School Principal
Rhonda Helms has served at GAC since 2008. She holds her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Lipscomb University and her Master of Education in Elementary Education degree from Armstrong Atlantic. Before moving into administrative roles, she was a classroom teacher for 11 years. She believes the most important thing GAC is doing for its students is teaching them to think about the “bigger picture.” She believes in GAC's mission and values the strong spiritual life that is vibrant on the GAC campus.
Rhonda and her family attend Snellville Church of Christ. She has three sons, Spencer (GAC 2020), Collin (GAC 2022) and Camden (GAC 2023).
Directors
Jimmy Chupp, Director of School Life
Jimmy Chupp has worked at GAC for over 20 years in various roles. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Presbyterian College, a Master’s degree in Education, and an Education Specialist degree from the University of Georgia. He joined GAC after 13 years of teaching, coaching, and serving in administrator roles at Brookwood High School. "GAC is spiritually deep, academically strong, and rich in extracurricular activities. Because of this GAC provides opportunities for young people to find their passion. Our hope is that along their way in finding their passion, they develop or grow in a relationship with Jesus.” Something Jimmy will tell everyone is that he "bleeds red and gold". "GAC is like home to me".
Jimmy and his wife Amy attend Campus Church of Christ. They have six children and all of them were Spartans.
Charles Edwards, Director of Diversity & Inclusion
In his 39 years in education, Charles has experience leading teams of athletes on the field as well as teams of educators in the classroom. His passion for students and desire to develop their heart and character makes him uniquely suited for this new role. Charles will work with other GAC leaders to enhance GAC school life in meaningful ways. “It is important for each student to know they are a valued member of the GAC family. Charles’ dedication as well as his warmth will be an asset to all, providing an inclusive family community where all students thrive.” says Dr. Scott Harsh, President.
Charles and his wife Elaine attend Cross Pointe Church in Duluth.
Mary Helen Bryant '87, Director of Admissions & Enrollment
Mary Helen holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s degree in Education, both from Clemson University. After teaching for several years in Gwinnett County Public Schools and writing a book about technology in the classroom, she went to work for the Georgia Department of Education. At GADOE, she was involved with designing and delivering a technology training program for Georgia teachers and worked in schools and counties across the state. While her work took her all over the state, one could say that her heart remained with her alma mater. A graduate of the class of 1987, Mary Helen also chose to bring her three children to GAC. The choice was simple and one she helps many families make. "In a nutshell, GAC prepares students for life. Not just for academic success, which we care about deeply, but for a life with a deeper purpose and promise. In our world today, we need well-educated and informed Christian leaders driven to make a difference. GAC models faith-based decision-making and surrounds students with mentors who can give them the academic and spiritual foundation required to have an impact in our complex world.” She has worked at GAC since 2013.
Mary Helen and her family attend Johns Creek Presbyterian Church. All three of her children started at GAC in kindergarten. She has two currently in college, and her oldest is a graduate of Georgia Tech and working as a software engineer.
Tim Hardy, Athletic Director & Head Football Coach
Tim Hardy has a Bachelor of Arts from Wheaton College, a Master of Science in Managerial Leadership from National-Louis University, and an Educational Specialist degree from Valdosta State University. He has worked at GAC since 2012 as Head Football Coach and now Athletic Director. Before coming to GAC, he coached college football at Wheaton College for 10 years and was also the head coach at Mountain View High School. He was drawn to the uniqueness of the GAC environment. “GAC provides an environment that truly maximizes growth. There is a culture of achievement on campus that calls students up to another level. Peer pressure is a powerful thing and our campus is filled with lots of positive peer pressure to be responsible, to give your best effort, to pursue your passions, and to serve other people.” Tim views athletics as an extension of the classroom where students can be intentionally grown. “At GAC, coaches are expected to use competition as an avenue for investing in students‘ spiritual lives and personal character.”
Tim and his family attend 12 Stone Church. He and his wife Lindsey have three children, Jackson (GAC 2020), Will (GAC 2022), and Anna (GAC 2024).
Regan Burnett, Director of Fine Arts
Regan, a vocal performer by training and former music teacher, came to GAC in 2006 to lead our newly created School of Ballet. Regan developed this program from the ground up into a national exemplar, combining faith with the art of ballet. As Director, she more than tripled the size of the School of Ballet, adding classes such as Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, and Acro adding quality instructors as the enrollment increased. Regan has also been resourceful with opportunities for the School of Ballet students to perform around the Atlanta community. As Dr. Josh Thomason, Vice President of Finance and Operations says, "Regan passionately seeks to honor God through the Arts. I look forward to her sharing this passion more broadly through the vast GAC Fine Arts repertoire." Regan attends Campus Church.
Justin Bagwell, Director of Spiritual Life
Justin brings nearly two decades of work in student ministry to the GAC family. Before joining GAC, he served as the Youth Minister for North Atlanta Church of Christ for 18 years. His energy and authenticity easily connects with students and parents alike. Justin leads a team of faculty and staff to bring greater coordination to the components of our comprehensive approach to Spiritual Formation, including chapels, Bible classes, mission trips, local service, retreats, small group Bible studies, and more.
Justin and his wife Bethany have two children, Burton (GAC 2031) and Brooklyn (GAC 2036). They attend North Atlanta Church of Christ.