Leadership Team
The faculty and staff at STAR Academy work as a team to provide a positive environment and a high-quality educational experience for every student. We are happy to discuss your concerns and address individual needs. Please contact any member of our team; we’d love to get to know you better.
“Our aim is not just to educate; we empower. STAR students have the capacity to think critically, the confidence to stretch, and the tools required to meet the real world challenges ahead.”
-Dr. Ed Stephens, III
Executive Team
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Biography
Dr. Stephens leads and directs the advancement and fulfillment of the mission, vision, values, and strategic goals of the School by providing executive leadership for governance, operational, financial, philanthropic, enrollment, branding, and expansion goals of the school. This role blends visioning and management and supports/advises school leadership for student achievement.
Dr. Stephens holds a bachelor’s degree in business management/operations from Fisk University and a master’s degree in divinity from Vanderbilt University. He earned his doctorate from Baylor University specializing in ministry and marketplace leadership. As a product of both public and private school systems, Dr. Stephens understands the disparities and inequity that exist among students. Committed to addressing educational disparities, Dr. Stephens builds communities that foster academic achievement.
In his spare time, Dr. Stephens enjoys traveling, deep-sea fishing, and pickleball. He actively serves on various civic and community boards, including the Greater Memphis Chamber, Chairman’s Circle, Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA), Downtown Memphis Commission, Lily Rose Studios, and Race 4 Reconciliation.
Beyond his role in the field of education, Dr. Stephens has a successful track record in various industries including healthcare and logistics.
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Biography
Dr. Ramone Smith-Johnson is a native of Memphis, Tennessee and a graduate of Tennessee State University where he received his bachelor of arts and master of arts in English. Dr. Smith-Johnson received a master of education from Capella University and his doctorate in education from Morgan State University in Baltimore in educational leadership. Dr. Smith-Johnson obtained his instructional leadership endorsement from Bethel University in McKenzie, Tennessee.
Dr. Smith-Johnson has been a professional educator for more than 15 years. He has previously served as a classroom teacher for grades 5–10. In addition to serving as a classroom teacher, he has served as a gifted education teacher, instructional facilitator, PLC coach, and assistant principal. Dr. Smith-Johnson believes that every child deserves a high-quality and high-engaging education from educators that will prepare them to be competitors in the global society. Dr. Smith-Johnson stands on his alma mater’s mantra, Think, Work, and Serve.
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We value open communication and offer a variety of ways to stay connected with what’s happening in your child’s classroom.
