school Administrators & School board
School Leadership
head of school
jeremy nicholas
Jeremy Nicholas has served as Head of School at Starkville Academy since June 2014. He began his career in education in 2001, with almost all of his experience earned at an MAIS school. Prior to SA, he was the Head of School at Park Place Christian Academy from 2010-2014. Mr. Nicholas also worked as a teacher and coach at Jackson Preparatory School (2002-2010) and at Northwest Whitfield High School in Dalton, GA (2001-2002). He holds B.S. and M.S. degrees from Mississippi State University and an Ed.S. degree from Mississippi College. He is married to his wife, Sarah, and they have two children, Charlie (SA Class of 2023) and Mary Holland (SA Class of 2026). His favorite Bible verse is Proverbs 22:1, “A good name is to be chosen over great wealth; favor is better than silver and gold.”
Secondary Principal
Carol Berryhill
Carol Berryhill has served as secondary principal at Starkville Academy since June 2016. She began her career in education in 1990. Prior to working at SA, she served as a fourth grade teacher in the Grenada School District from 1990-1993. Berryhill also worked as a junior high teacher at East Webster High School in the Webster County School District from 1993-2010. She moved from the classroom at East Webster to assistant principal where she served from 2010-2016. Berryhill holds B.S. and M.S. degrees from Mississippi State University and earned a certification in Educational Leadership. She is married to Lee Berryhill, and they have a daughter, Melony. Berryhill's favorite Bible verse is James 1:17, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”
elementary Principal
krista vowell
Krista Vowell has been part of the SA Faculty since 2010, when she was hired as elementary music teacher. Since then, she has taught 11th grade English, Speech, US History, and AP US History, and has served as Junior Class Sponsor and director of the school plays. Ms. Vowell holds a Bachelor's Degree in Communication, a Master's Degree in Political Science, and is currently working on a dissertation in pursuit of a Ph.D. In Educational Leadership (all from Mississippi State University). She holds Administration Certification via Delta State University and the MAIS. Krista is the mother of two adult children, Peyton and Meghan, of whom she couldn't be more proud. One of Ms. Vowell's favorite Bible verses is: Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.-Psalm 51:10.
SA SCHOOL BOARD 2O24-2O25
President- Kelly Prather
Vice President- Tabor Mullen
Past President- Shannon Barrett
Secretary- Rachel Thomas
Treasurer- Cal Rackley
Johnny Fair, Brian Montgomery, Kevin Randall, Casey Skelton, & Missy Walters