school Administrators & School board
head of school, ROB SHILLITO
Rob brings to Starkville Academy extensive experience in independent school leadership and administration. Most recently, he served as Head of School at Kirk Academy. Prior to that, he spent five years at Presbyterian Christian School, where he held the roles of Director of Athletics, Director of Operations, and Assistant Head of School. Earlier in his career, Rob served as Assistant Athletic Director for Academics at Mississippi State University, Athletic Academic Counselor at the University of Southern Mississippi, and as a field staff member with Campus Crusade for Christ (CRU) at Mississippi State. Rob earned both his bachelor's degree in political science and his master's degree in sport administration from Mississippi State University. He also completed his Independent School Administration certification through the Mississippi College/MAIS Leadership Institute. Rob and his wife, Jeane Carroll, are the proud parents of three children: Luke, Anne Caroline, and Betsy. A verse that has long guided Rob's life and leadership is Psalm 28:7: "The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me."
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 for five years. Brian has a Master of Arts in Mathematics Education from Western Governors University, 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 has three children: Caleb-Class of 2023, Lillian-Class of 2031, and Sophia-Class of 2033.
elementary Principal, krista vowell Nicholson
Krista began her career at SA in 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. Mrs. Nicholson 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 Mrs. 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
Seated, L to R: Tabor Mullen (President), Kelly Prather (Past President), Missy Walters (Secretary), Vaughan Holland, and Casey Skelton. Back Row: Cal Rackley (Treasurer) and Johnny Fair.
Not pictured: Brian Montgomery, Graham Parker, and Kevin Randall (Vice President).