SEYMOUR — Jeremy Sandefur will resign on May 31 as president and head of school at The King’s Academy (TKA) in Seymour to pursue a leadership role at a Christian school in Central Florida.
“While I hate to leave TKA, I am excited to serve at a church-based school in a role that will allow me to support teachers and students,” Sandefur told the B&R. This move will let him serve in an administrative role at a larger school, focusing directly on academic success, teacher support, and discipleship.
During his four-year tenure, Sandefur saw TKA grow from virtually no international students due to the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic to “a full thriving program.”
“I believe that the largest achievement has been the full rebuilding of our international residence life program that was devastated by the pandemic,” he said.
This program has brought students from 32 countries (26 currently on campus) to hear the gospel daily. “We have had students accept Christ, participate in believer’s baptism, and engage in discipleship through this program,” he added.
Prior to TKA, Sandefur had 12 years of Christian education experience at Cottage Hill Christian School in Mobile, Ala. He holds an M.Ed. in Administration from Liberty University and a B.S. in Secondary Education History/Social Sciences from Samford University.
The King’s Academy, established in 1880 as Boyds Creek Academy, has served Sevier County for 140 years. What began as a small log-cabin schoolhouse is now a 65-acre campus with 10 buildings and athletic facilities.
The school changed names several times — Harrison Seminary in 1884, Harrison-Chilhowee Baptist Academy in 1932 — before becoming The King’s Academy in 1993. It affiliated with the Tennessee Baptist Convention in 1932.
As the first school in Sevier County accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools in 1979, TKA consistently prepares students for college. Its boarding tradition dates to 1889, welcoming students from over 80 nations throughout its history.
Today, the student body includes 435 students from 26 countries, six Tennessee counties, and two states.
Sandefur also highlighted the upcoming, “state of the art” J.T. Shen Science Wing opening in June 2025. “It will allow us to seek excellence in all we do for the benefit of the Lord and our students,” he said.
The Board of Trustees is preparing an interim plan and a search process.