Introducing Our New Leader - June 2025
On behalf of the Head of School Search Committee, we are delighted to announce the appointment of Dr. Joel Schuster as the next Head of School for SouthLake Christian Academy. After a thorough national search, the committee unanimously recommended Joel to the Board of Trustees, who voted in support of his appointment. The SouthLake Church Session affirmed their full support, and Joel will officially begin his new role in June 2025.
Throughout the search process, we sought someone who embodies a deep commitment to Christian education, strong leadership, and a love for students. We wanted a leader who excels at communication, understands the value of rigorous and joyful learning, and can work in close partnership with the Board to establish a vision that advances the school’s mission. We are thrilled to have found all this and more in Joel.
Joel comes to us with extensive experience in Christian education, ministry, and leadership. A product of Christian education himself, Joel holds a Bachelor’s degree in biblical and theological studies from Gordon College, a Master's in religion from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary, a Specialist in Educational Leadership from Gordon College, and a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership from Liberty University. His diverse background includes significant and pivotal roles in church leadership, business management, and educational administration.
Joel is a seasoned educational leader with a proven track record of driving innovation, growth, and excellence in Christian education. With over a decade of experience in strategic leadership roles, he has consistently demonstrated his ability to navigate complex challenges and deliver exceptional results. As Chief Advancement Officer at Fellowship Christian School, Joel has demonstrated exceptional strategic leadership – driving enrollment growth, increasing fundraising, and building a solid endowment. His experience in chairing accreditation teams and spearheading innovative education networks further underscores his qualifications as a visionary leader in the field of Christian education. Joel’s expertise in financial management, strategic planning, marketing, and development is impressive, and his heart for Christ-centered education and his passion for nurturing future leaders makes him the perfect fit for SouthLake’s next chapter.
Joel and his wife Sara have been happily married for 24 years, having been high school sweethearts. Together, they are proud parents to four children: Mikayla (21), a senior at UGA; Katy (19), a sophomore at High Point University; Emma (17), a senior at Fellowship Christian School; and James (9), a third grader eagerly anticipating his move to SLCA for fourth grade next year. Much of Joel and Sara's time is devoted to supporting their children in their various pursuits. When they have spare time, the family enjoys watching movies, relaxing by the fire, and traveling with their family to beach and mountain destinations. Joel particularly relishes playing golf, cheering on his favorite sports teams, and taking his Jeep out for a spin. They are looking forward to making Lake Norman a new part of their family experience.
This announcement comes after months of prayer, deliberation, and collaboration and we are so grateful to our Search Committee and consultant from Educators Collaborative, Tracy Bennett, for their hard work. We also extend our thanks and appreciation to the many parents, faculty, staff, and community members who participated in the interview process and offered feedback on the candidates. Your input was invaluable in helping us make this important decision.
Please join us in congratulating Joel and welcoming the Schuster family to the SouthLake Christian Academy community. We look forward to this exciting new chapter under Joel’s leadership and are confident that, together, we will continue to advance the mission of SouthLake Christian Academy.