school Administrators & School board
School Leadership
head of school
ROB SHILLITO
Rob Shillito has previously served as the Head of School at Kirk Academy. Prior to his time there, he worked at Presbyterian Christian School from 2019–2024, serving as Director of Athletics, Director of Operations, and Assistant Head of School. He also brings earlier experience as Assistant Athletic Director for Academics at the University of Southern Mississippi, Athletic Academic Counselor at Mississippi State University, and Field Staff for Campus Crusade for Christ (CRU) at Mississippi State. Shillito holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in sport administration from Mississippi State University, and he earned his Independent School Administration certification through the Mississippi College/MAIS Leadership Institute. Rob is married to his wife, Jeane Carroll, and they have three children: Luke (11), Anne Caroline (9), and Betsy (6). One of Shillito’s favorite bible verses is Psalm 28:7.
Secondary Principal
Brian Stockton
Brian has been at Starkville Academy since 2018. He has taught Algebra I, II, and III, Honors Algebra I, Trigonometry, and Statistics. Before his time at SA, Brian was a teacher at Tennessee Christian Preparatory School starting in November of 2011 where he later became the Assistant Principal from August 2013-May 2018. Brian has his Master of Arts in Mathematics Education from Western Governors University in Franklin, Tennessee, a Master of Arts in Teaching, Mathematics for Grades 5-12 from Lee University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Education with a Minor in Mathematics from Lee University. Brian has also completed his Ministerial Affirmation and Internship Program with the Church of God. Brian and his wife, Mandy, have three children (Caleb-Class of 2023, Lillian-Class of 2031, and Sophia-Class of 2033).
elementary Principal
krista vowell Nicholson
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 2O25-2O26
President- Tabor Mullen
Vice President- Kevin Randall (not pictured)
Past President- Kelly Prather
Secretary- Missy Walters
Treasurer- Cal Rackley
Johnny Fair, Vaughan Holland, Brian Montgomery (not pictured), Graham Parker (not pictured),
& Casey Skelton