Dr. Ron Mitchell Announces Retirement as PCA President, New Head of School Named 

Prattville Christian Academy announces the retirement of Dr. Ron Mitchell after nearly two decades of service, effective May 31, 2022. He has run the race with speed, intentionality, and endurance, providing PCA with strong Christian leadership during his time on campus. He has been a champion of Christian education by expanding services to students, leading a team of dedicated faculty and staff members, and growing the school by more than 250% during his tenure.

“There is no way I can put into words what leading this ministry has meant to me, and Jennifer before her passing. Over the years, I have come to know and love the PCA families who have richly blessed my life. I have spent many hours side-by-side with families watching athletic events where we cheered and at times cried. We’ve overcome death, sickness, divorce, and a myriad of other life events with PCA staff and families. I have come to know and deeply love the tremendously dedicated Christian staff who have made a marked difference in my life and the lives of hundreds of students and families,” said Dr. Mitchell, PCA President.

Dr. Mitchell’s leadership has allowed for PCA to grow in many ways, including the first school accreditation in 2005 to receiving the coveted National Blue Ribbon School award in 2019, the addition of two industry-specific academies for upper school students to gain real-world experience in engineering and healthcare, leading the transition from AISA to the Alabama High School Athletic Association where PCA competitively competes in 14 sanctioned sports programs, and the construction of PCA’s three-phase secondary building and the suite of rooms that currently serves as the Advancement Office as well as the band and engineering classrooms.

“Through the good times and the bad times, God has never failed to love me and provide far more blessings than I could have ever imagined,” said Dr. Mitchell. “Thank you to every family that has trusted me with their most precious possessions – their children.”

After a thoughtful search process and prayerful consideration, PCA’s Board of Directors is pleased to introduce PCA’s new Head of School. During a recent board meeting, the members unanimously voted to appoint Katie Furr to the position, beginning June 1, 2022. The directors are confident that Katie Furr is the person to lead PCA into the future based on her qualities, accomplishments, and zeal for Christian education.

“In every organization, there comes a time when the leadership role must be passed from one to another like a baton in a relay race. That time has come for us at Prattville Christian Academy,” said Don Greer, Board Chairman. “Mrs. Furr is eminently qualified to lead our school. She has a proven track record with us, having served in teacher, academic director, and high school principal roles. She has served closely with Dr. Mitchell as a part of PCA’s Executive Team for the past five years and is well acquainted with the responsibility she is accepting.”

Katie Furr holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Troy University and a Master of Science in Education specializing in Professional Development from Walden University. She is skilled in teaching, curriculum development, training, and implementation of educational initiatives. She is married to Jason Furr, and they have one daughter, Shelby, who will graduate from PCA in 2022. Mrs. Furr and her family are active members of Landmark Church of Christ. Her service includes teaching, outreach programs, and small group participation. In her 16 years of educational experience, Mrs. Furr has grown to understand what is required of an educator and administrator to develop students who are prepared to change the world.

“I will seek to lead with the intent of being driven for God’s purpose,” said Katie Furr, Incoming Head of School. “Partnering with families to aid in developing and preparing students to be Christian leaders as they receive their education is quite a mission. We want students to be led to realize their potential. This world needs Christians to make an impact for God’s Kingdom. Making impactful and positive changes requires every bit of aptitude within a person. If we are grounding children in Christ’s love, educating them well, and training them to reach their capabilities in every area in which they are involved at Prattville Christian, students will be habitual about giving their best.”

Mrs. Furr’s impact on campus is evident in her involvement with the research and implementation of several academic programs, including the ERB standardized testing program and Foundation and Frameworks reading program for lower school as well as PCA’s international student program and the Engineering and Health Academies.

“I am honored and thrilled to be transitioning into this role at Prattville Christian Academy,” said Mrs. Furr. “The board, staff and faculty, parents, and especially the students make PCA an incredible place to be. PCA has never been a place of complacency but of passion and drive for what best serves our students as we seek to equip them. I look forward to working alongside the PCA community to serve students while purposefully aiding them to become Christian leaders who are driven to seek God’s plan in making a difference for His Kingdom throughout their lives.”

The 2021-2022 school year will be a year of transition. While Dr. Mitchell will continue to lead the school through May 31, 2022, Mrs. Furr will work closely with him to ensure a smooth leadership transition for all students, staff, and families. “We want to make sure the baton is passed from one front runner to the next smoothly and with no fumbling,” said Mr. Greer. “The runners are committed to this end, and you can help with this transition by praying for our school, being intentionally cooperative with the process, and being patient as the transition occurs. We all agree that the race is before us, and we want to continue to run well so we can together receive the prize.” To allow Mrs. Furr to work closely with Mr. Mitchell, an immediate search for a new principal will begin in mid-June. PCA’s Executive Team desires to make a hire before the start of the upcoming school year.