THE KING’S ACADEMY NAMES FRED EAVES AS NEXT PRESIDENT AND HEAD OF SCHOOL

SEYMOUR — The King’s Academy has unanimously appointed Fred Eaves as its next president and head of school following an extensive national search.

Eaves will join TKA full-time July 1, 2026, but plans to be involved in academy life before then. He will attend orientation this week to meet families and begin forming connections across the community. The school plans to provide additional opportunities for families to connect with Eaves and hear his vision throughout the upcoming school year, as he expects to be on campus frequently.

“This decision follows an extensive national search and is rooted in deep reflection on the academy’s mission, our values as a Christian community, and our aspirations for the future,” said Tiffany Webb, acting chair of the board of trustees.

The board sought someone who could preserve and strengthen TKA’s unique qualities: a Christ-centered mission, close-knit campus community, culture of academic and co-curricular excellence, and commitment to holistic student development. They wanted a spiritually grounded, mission-driven, visionary leader with proven strategic and operational expertise.

“We believe Eaves embodies all of these qualities,” Webb said.

Educational Leadership Experience

Eaves brings more than two decades of educational leadership experience. Most recently, he served as assistant head of school for operations and co-curricular programs at Battle Ground Academy in Franklin, Tennessee, overseeing athletics, fine arts, auxiliary programming, health services, dining, IT and facilities. He also held roles as athletic director, department chair, advisor and classroom teacher at BGA.

As a former teacher, coach, award-winning strength and conditioning professional and seasoned administrator, Eaves has consistently shaped young people through excellence and grace.

His academic credentials include a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Arkansas, educational specialist degree in administration and supervision from Lincoln Memorial University, and master’s degrees from Baylor University, the University of Missouri and Tennessee Tech University. He earned his bachelor’s degree in secondary education from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and holds a graduate certificate in Christian apologetics from Southern Evangelical Seminary.

During his tenure at Battle Ground Academy, Eaves oversaw multiple departments while maintaining his focus on Christian education. He has previously stated that his educational philosophy centers on preparing students academically while integrating spiritual formation and character development.

“We believe that Fred’s leadership will deepen our commitment to holistic education where students thrive in the classroom, on the stage, in athletic competition and in daily spiritual formation,” Webb said. “He is committed to honoring our heritage while boldly embracing the opportunities that lie ahead.”

Looking Forward

Fred and his wife Kristy view their calling as a shared ministry. Kristy, a seasoned financial services professional, brings a heart for community and strong belief in Christian education’s mission.

The couple has two adult children and three grandchildren. Their daughter, Savanna, is a nurse at Erlanger Medical Center. She and her husband, Ben, live in Dayton, Tennessee, with their children. The Eaves’ son, Grant, is a research associate and portfolio manager with the Patten Group in Chattanooga, where he lives with his wife, Katelyn, and their daughter.

“Kristy and I are humbled and grateful for the opportunity to return to East Tennessee and join a community as special as TKA,” Eaves said. “From our first visit, it was evident that this is a school where Christ is honored, people are known and loved, and students are being shaped for lives that matter.”

Eaves noted the couple sensed something special during their first campus visit.

“There was an unmistakable spirit of joy, faith and belonging,” he said. “The warmth of the community, the clarity of the mission and the evident love for students all spoke to our hearts.”

In the coming months, a transition committee will work with the board and school leadership to ensure a smooth handoff. The board expressed gratitude to Kelly Sullivan-Connatser for serving as interim head of school and to faculty and staff for their dedication during the transition.

“We are deeply grateful for God’s provision and filled with excitement for what lies ahead,” Webb said.

Eaves views the transition as more than a professional move.

“In the months ahead, I look forward to listening, learning and walking alongside this remarkable community as we seek God’s guidance together,” he said.