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 Terry Caywood as the New Accreditation Director for Central Division
Colorado Springs, CO – The Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) is pleased to announce Terry Caywood as its new Central Division Accreditation Director.
This role will ensure educational excellence by overseeing ACSI’s accreditation process for Christian member schools across 18 states. Caywood will foster relationships with accredited school leaders in the Central Division and will resource them as they embark on their journey of continuous improvement.
Caywood will begin his role on Dec. 1, 2024, bringing 37 years of educational experience, having served the last 17 years as the Head of School at Harvest Christian Academy in Keller, Texas. He attended Stephen F. Austin State University for his Bachelor of Science degree and then earned an M.A. in Educational Leadership from Dallas Baptist University and a Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Throughout his tenure in K-12 Christian education, Caywood has been active in ACSI accreditation by leading his school through the accreditation process, serving as a team member, and chairing multiple ACSI teams. He has also served on the ACSI Central Division, South Accreditation Commission. He has developed deep experience and relationships with schools in his region.
Stephen Deck, ACSI Senior Director of Accreditation and Credentialing, shared his excitement about Caywood joining the ACSI team."Terry brings a wealth of Christian school leadership experience and accreditation experience, as well as a heart for helping Christian schools target key areas to drive school improvement,” he said. “As ACSI fully implements the Inspire protocol, aligned with the Flourishing Schools research, Terry will effectively lead the accreditation process for our Central Division schools as they continue to prepare students academically and inspire them to become devoted followers of Jesus Christ."
Caywood is looking forward to serving Christian schools at ACSI.
“I look forward to serving and connecting with ACSI schools through this accreditation position as we honor the Lord in the lives of students and families,” he said. “To have this opportunity to help strengthen and advance Kingdom education through ACSI's accreditation program is humbling. I am excited about the many new relationships that will be formed with Christian school leaders as we strive to be effective and impactful in every facet of our students' experiences.”
To learn more about ACSI’s Inspire Accreditation Protocol, please visit the website.