Senior Leadership
I am inspired by the faith, courage, and reverence for God by Christian educators around the world! It reminds me of the story recounted in I Samuel 17 about David defeating Goliath. In verse 29, David’s response to the inaction of his
elder brothers and the Israelites especially encourages me. He boldly and nobly answers the call to action by asking, "Is there not a cause?”
I can think of no greater cause than to partner with you as you advance Kingdom education. We fully believe that authentic devotion to the Christian faith and academic excellence are mutually reinforcing. There are not two or three forms of excellence, but rather an ethos that is cultivated throughout every facet of our schools. Faith is not separated from learning but rather integrated intentionally, resulting in a distinctive Christian worldview.
Scholarship and learning become an integral component to the maturation process known as discipleship. Thus, becoming a disciple of Jesus Christ, the ultimate objective of the Great Commission (Matt. 28:16-20), is the prize for which we strive; it is the highest form of excellence! It is certainly conceivable that we could produce students with the spiritual depth needed to enter our pluralistic society and not fall prey to empty philosophies. Rather, they would be equipped to saturate the marketplace to which God has called them with confidence, purpose, and an eternal perspective.
ACSI’s ongoing mission is to strengthen Christian schools and equip Christian educators worldwide as they prepare students academically and inspire them to become devoted followers of Jesus Christ. We want to serve you as you continue to cultivate and sustain a flourishing school. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you—thank you for your obedience to God’s call on your life—you are indeed making a difference.
Dr. Larry Taylor, President & CEO, ACSI
larry_taylor@acsi.org
719-867-0200
ACSI Senior Leadership
Dr. David Balik
Vice President of USA
Dr. Gavin Brettenny
Chief Strategy Officer
Kevin Buelke
Chief Finance Officer
Cindy Dodds
Chief of Flourishing Initiatives
Michael Epp
Senior Vice President of Global
Brett Henry, J.D.
Chief Executive Officer, Sevenstar
Vice President, Educational Resources
John Klingstedt
Chief Operating Officer
Christi Lynn
Vice President, Communications & Engagement
Chris Loncar
Vice President, Human Resources
Jerry Nelson
Chief Ministry Officer
Philip Scott, J.D.
Vice President for Legal Affairs
P. George Tryfiates
Vice President for Public Policy and Legal Affairs
Susan Verheul
Vice President, Executive Initiatives
Dr. Cecil Swetland
Vice President for Development
News and Press Releases
ACSI Announces Appointment of New Director of Research
Colorado Springs, Colo., March 8, 2021 – The Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Matthew H. Lee as Director of Research. Lee’s responsibilities will include building on ACSI’s groundbreaking Flourishing Schools research and ongoing sustainability research, as well as developing new initiatives that will undergird ACSI’s thought leadership in Christian education.
He assumed duties on March 1, 2021.
Lee joins ACSI with a wealth of experience in academic and applied research and writing, including numerous articles related to school choice outcomes, private school leadership and educational program evaluation. His work has been cited in national outlets such as Education Next and Education Week, as well as by major policy organizations such as the American Enterprise Institute, the R Street Institute, and the Cato Institute.
Dr. Lynn Swaner, ACSI Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer, believes Lee brings a unique skillset to this role.
“I am thrilled to have Matt Lee join ACSI as our Director of Research,” she said. “He brings the right mix of expertise and passion to ACSI, and we look forward to his leadership in research on matters of educational, spiritual and cultural importance for Christian schools.”
Lee is the co-editor of the book, “Religious Liberty and Education,” published in 2020 by Rowan & Littlefield, which garnered the praise of Yuval Levin (National Affairs), Frederick Hess (AEI), and Ruth Wisse (Harvard University). He recently completed his dissertation, “Faith-based Education and Civic Value Formation,” at the University of Arkansas under the supervision of Cardus Senior Fellow, Dr. Albert Cheng. Lee has also previously served as intern for ACSI Thought Leadership & Research in fall 2020.
ACSI President, Dr. Larry Taylor, is confident that Lee will be a great addition to the Thought Leadership & Research team.
“Dr. Lee has already done incredible work at ACSI,” he said. “I have no doubt that he will continue to strengthen the innovative efforts of the department, ultimately benefiting our Christian schools.”
Lee looks forward to assuming his new duties.
“I am excited to join the talented Thought Leadership & Research team and am grateful to God for the opportunity to support ACSI schools as they prepare students for lives of faithfulness and flourishing,” he said.
Lee lives in Fayetteville, Arkansas, with his wife Caroline and their two children.
To learn more about ACSI Thought Leadership & Research, visit the website or contact ACSI Care Team by calling (800) 367-0798 or by emailing research@acsi.org.
About ACSI:
Headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colo., ACSI exists to strengthen Christian schools and equip Christian educators worldwide as they prepare students academically and inspire them to become devoted followers of Jesus Christ. ACSI advances excellence in Christian schools by enhancing the professional and personal development of Christian educators and providing vital support functions for Christian schools through multiple services including teacher and administrator certification, school accreditation, legal/legislative assistance, and curriculum publishing. Serving more than 25,000 schools in 108 countries, ACSI helps more than 5.5 million students worldwide connect to Christian education.
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