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 Welcomes New Director for Biblical Unity, Diversity & Social Engagement
Colorado Springs, CO– The Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) is pleased to welcome Dr. Justina Jenkins as its new Director for Biblical Unity, Diversity & Social Engagement. In her new role, Jenkins, alongside the ACSI Ministry Team, will create Christ-centered educational resources to meet the unique needs of students, educators, and parents of high-poverty communities.
Jenkins and the Ministry Team will build upon ACSI’s 25-year foundation of equipping under-resourced schools, communities, and families. This foundation, comprised of a network of urban schools, was established by longtime ACSI leaders Dr. Vernard Gant and Mrs. Yvonne Jones.
ACSI President & CEO Dr. Larry Taylor is passionate about cultivating learning environments that train students to have a biblical worldview for every objective of the curriculum and co-curriculum.
“We have an opportunity and responsibility to increase access to Christ-centered education for students who typically do not have this option,” he said. “Dr. Jenkins will spearhead ACSI’s efforts to serve our existing network of under-resourced schools. She will also work closely with ACSI’s executive team to plant new Christian schools in high-poverty communities throughout our nation.”
Jenkins joins ACSI with more than 16 years serving in education, most of those in Christian schools. She currently serves as Head of School at Rivertree Academy in Fort Worth, Texas, where she has led since 2019. She earned her Doctorate from Mercer University in Curriculum & Instruction and her Master’s of Education from Mercer University.
“I am honored and enthusiastic to embrace the role of Director for Biblical Unity, Diversity & Social Engagement,” Jenkins shared. “I am deeply committed to upholding the five foundational biblical principles that guide this position. I pray this will be a transformative journey that not only reflects these principles but actively contributes to the flourishing of schools deeply rooted in faith, understanding, and shared purpose.”
Jenkins will continue to serve as Head of School at Rivertree Academy.
ACSI Chief Ministry Officer Jerry Nelson looks forward to serving alongside Jenkins.
“ACSI is committed to building upon the foundation laid by Dr. Vernard Gant over twenty years ago,” Nelson said. “He was a champion for ‘the least of these.’ The newly formed Biblical Unity Department, under the leadership of Dr. Justina Jenkins (Director of GRAACE Initiatives), will continue to communicate the heart of Jesus to remove any and all unnecessary barriers to the most transformative education on the planet—Christian education. Dr. Jenkins brings a wealth of experience and expertise to ACSI to help us continue to provide access to Christian education for all those who desire it.”
About ACSI:
Headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado, 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.